Proper development, implementation and operation of existing and future renewable energy systems demand an efficient policy landscape and careful evaluation of sustainability, taking into account simultaneously economic, environmental and social aspects. Moreover, a life cycle thinking perspective should be considered, including all relevant parts of the value chain, focusing on integrated solutions and establishing synergies of bioenergy/biofuels systems with other renewables through hybrid approaches and integrated biorefineries.

Hence, WG4 aims to address the most important topics related to bioenergy markets and sustainability, by providing support to the Commission in particular via position papers outlining the views from stakeholders in the sector on policy issues. Input will be gathered from WG members of the ETIP, and approved by the Steering Committee. WG4 activities take into account the environmental, economic and social impacts of bioenergy development in Europe considering the important role of bioenergy in achieving the European Union decarbonization and energy transition targets as laid down in recent policy initiatives such as the Renewable Energy Directive (RED) – (EU) 2023/2413, REPower EU , REFuelEU and Fuel EU Maritime. As bioenergy is increasingly recognized as a valid and robust contributor to address global energy challenges, ETIP Bioenergy and WG4 within ETIP Bioenergy are keen to highlight European strength in this field and help deploy the potential of the European bioenergy sector. In March 2023, WG4 produced a position paper on Renewable Hydrogen in collaboration with the Renewable Heating & Cooling (RHC) ETIP. WG4 has also contributed to the 2023 update of the ETIP Bioenergy Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda.  WG4 is currently working on a joint Position Paper with WG1 – Biomass Availability on “Sustainable Biomass Supply Chains“ to be published in summer 2025. Other forthcoming activities of WG4 may include the organization of webinars on topics related to bioenergy markets and sustainability as well as dedicated policy position papers addressing important topics such as potential impacts of fraudulent practices with respect to certifications of imported biofuels on European markets, bioenergy producers and value chains.