The Sustainability of Bioenergy in Finland and Globally - Fact Check

Abstract

Finland is aiming for carbon-neutral energy production, where an essential part is increased use of forest biomass. This is a part of the bioeconomy strategy of Finland, as well as agreed at EU-level, as part of measures for carbon neutrality and increasing the use of renewable energy. The carbon neutrality or sustainability of forest biomass in energy use has been under critical review. The discussion has increased after the release of the IPCC report 8.10.2018. Different stakeholders have used materials and data, from research of different scientific disciplines. These either favour the increased use of forest biomass or are critically against it. The materials are used for decision making in Finnish governmental organizations, as well as different institutions in the European Union.