During the 7th Biomass Forum Dr. Wolfgang Urban, Senior Analyst at Ecologic Institute, presented experiences with the EEG 2012. He outlined the political objectives and guidelines for the further development of the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG). He also gave an overview of initial position, objectives and procedures for an EEG reform, the current status of these discussions and the prospects and challenges arising from this for bioenergy. The presentation slides are available for download.

Gradual transformation of the energy supply by 2050

The phasing out of nuclear energy is decided and irreversible. Likewise with the gradual transformation of the energy supply by 2050 to renewable energy and energy efficiency. Nevertheless, the implementation of the energy transition must be economically justifiable and affordable, said Dr. Wolfgang Urban. This requires clear basic principles such as reliability and consensus in important key points. According to the EEG 2.0, wind energy and solar energy are the future cornerstones of energy supply. Correspondingly, the demand for flexibility is growing with afocus on competitive elements. The expansion of renewable energies must be balanced with grid expansion and conventional power plants.

The EEG 2.0 and the political debate about the role and potential of biogas

In his conclusion Dr. Wolfgang Urban referred to the acceptance of biogas, biomass resource competition, and cost efficiency. He explained aspects of climate protection and sustainability of biogas and argued that new options for biogas that open up through the energy transition process should be adopted and implemented. Convincing (technical) solutions contribute on the one hand to strengthening acceptance and on the other to increasing the potential for efficiency along the value chain. Additionally, a debate over challenges and opportunities should be pursued.