Wood Energy

This web page intends to give an overview of the activities and outputs of UNECE/FAO Timber Section on wood energy, as well as useful information concerning wood energy and a list of relevant internet links.

     >> Background: Importance of Wood Energy

Importance of Wood Energy

The use of wood for energy has become increasingly important. Although wood is the oldest source of energy, used for thousands of years, it has recently gained new attention. Rising prices for fossil fuels, the increasing dependency on energy imports from insecure regions, and the effects of climate change are challenges that society and politicians are searching to tackle by various measures:

• The Kyoto protocol came into force on 16 February 2005 when the Russian Federation ratified the treaty. In the Protocol the EU has committed itself to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 8% compared to 1990. In January 2007 they increased the target to 20% for 2020 (or even 30% if other major countries commit to ambitious targets as well).
  While the precise impacts of this are difficult to forecast, the pressure that it places on governments to reduce levels of CO₂ emissions can be expected to be a strong driver for increasing wood's share in total energy production.

• Measures will and have been taken to increase energy efficiency and energy savings on European and national levels (20% by 2020).

• Another important policy component is the promotion of renewable energies. More precisely, the EU set a target for 2010 of having 12% of their primary energy consumption derived from renewable energy sources, such as wood. In early 2007, new targets were announced for 2020 when 20% of the energy consumed should come from renewable sources.
  These targets need to be seen in the context of the current state of renewable energies. In 2005, renewable energies accounted for only 6.5 % of energy use at a European level. Out of this, 2/3 is biomass, of which the majority is wood. In fact, wood is currently the major source (over 50%) for all renewable energies in Europe.

This website presents the activities of the UNECE Timber Committee and the FAO European Forestry Commission who work together to promote sustainable forest management in Europe, EECCA and North America