Biomass must meet strict sustainability criteria if it is to ensure significant carbon savings compared to fossil fuels. We want to ensure transparency in our approach and our view on the advantages and challenges of using biomass as part of a sustainable energy system.
What role does biomass play in the Danish energy system?
Biomass plays a significant role in the Danish energy system. Due to the widespread use of district heating, biomass can be used with very high efficiency yields of up to 90 %, providing an alternative energy source when the sun isn’t shining, or the wind isn’t blowing.
Capturing and utilising the green biogenic carbon released from biomass also has significant potential in the development of Power-to-X (P2X) projects for the production of green fuels, which we plan to pursue going forward. In general, however, we must be aware of the scale when using certified sustainable biomass.
We expect that our use of biomass will decline as other renewable energy sources increase, but that it will continue to play a role in the Danish energy system. This is because it can function both as a storable energy solution supplementing sun and wind, and in P2X.
We believe our approach works because of the specific design of the Danish energy system, and because we set extremely high requirements for where, how, and what type of biomass we source. We recognise that biomass, while renewable, is a resource we can’t abuse. Otherwise, the climate benefits are lost.
What are we doing?
We only source wooden biomass certified as sustainable by independent, third-party certification bodies, in line with Danish legislation.
Denmark has the most ambitious biomass legislation in Europe, which we believe is absolutely essential for the continued use of biomass. The legislation includes biodiversity, ecosystem, and carbon stock protection, as well as high carbon emissions reductions.
Our biomass is sourced from sustainably managed production forests with ongoing reforestation, and we only source wood pellets and chips which come from residues and low-grade wood, most often from sawdust, regular thinning of forests, harvesting residues, or diseased trees.
How are we doing?
We carry out continuous work to guarantee and document that 100 % of the the biomass we use is certified as sustainable
Certified sustainable wooden biomass sourced (%)
Latest updates from 2022
- We continued to procure 100 % third-party certified sustainable wooden biomass, which we’ll also maintain going forward.
- We continued to abide by and fully support a new 2021 Danish law which introduced higher standards for documenting traceability, carbon reductions, and third-party certifications.
- We sourced straw from local farmers who met Danish sustainability requirements.
- To ensure openness about our approach, we also continued to be transparent about biomass feedstock types, countries of harvest, and carbon emissions from production and transport.
- We continued to collaborate with the forestry sector to ensure that we continuously improve and work towards the best standards possible.
- We maintained our dialogues with policymakers and civil society to make sure that we understand relevant concerns and explain our approach and strategy.
What’s next?
We’re developing a carbon capture project at Avedøre Power Station in Denmark, where we’re testing the potential of capturing the biogenic carbon from biomass.
Key information
International frameworks
We closely follow international frameworks and organisations that advise on and regulate the use of biomass, including:
- EU Renewable Energy Directive
- UNEP Convention on Biological Diversity
- Forest Europe: Sustainable Forest Management
- EU forest and biodiversity strategies for 2030
- Forest and biomass certification schemes: FSC, PEFC, and SBP
Governance
Accountability lies with our Chief Operating Officer.
This programme contributes towards the following Sustainable Development Goal:
