International Review of Environmental and Resource Economics > Vol 17 > Issue 1

The Future of the EU Bioenergy Sector: Economic, Environmental, Social, and Legislative Challenges

Fabio G. Santeramo, University of Foggia and European University Institute, Italy, fabio.santeramo@unifg.it , Monica Delsignore, University of Milano Bicocca, Italy, monica.delsignore@unimib.it , Enrica Imbert, Unitelma Sapienza, Italy, enrica.imbert@unitelmasapienza.it , Mariarosaria Lombardi, University of Foggia, Italy, mariarosaria.lombardi@unifg.it
 
Suggested Citation
Fabio G. Santeramo, Monica Delsignore, Enrica Imbert and Mariarosaria Lombardi (2023), "The Future of the EU Bioenergy Sector: Economic, Environmental, Social, and Legislative Challenges", International Review of Environmental and Resource Economics: Vol. 17: No. 1, pp 1-52. http://dx.doi.org/10.1561/101.00000133

Publication Date: 13 Apr 2023
© 2023 F. G. Santeramo, M. Delsignore, E. Imbert and M. Lombardi
 
Subjects
Renewables Integration,  Information Systems and Society: Sustainable Development,  Environmental Economics,  Law and Economics,  Regulation
 
Keywords
JEL Codes: K32Q18Q42
BioenergyEuropean Unionimpactland uselawsustainability
 

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In this article:
1 Introduction 
2 The EU Bioenergy Sector: Qualitative and Quantitative Aspects 
3 Legislative Issues 
4 Economical Issues 
5 Environmental Issues 
6 Social Issues 
7 Conclusive Remarks 
References 

Abstract

The bioenergy sector is becoming of increasing interest: the European Union is not an exception. Indeed, it is in need of solutions to face one of the worst energy crises of the last century. The sector's growth faces numerous challenges. The main use of energy crops, as feedstock, generates stiff competition on the use of land for food and energy purposes. The production of bioenergy has relevant environmental implications in terms of greenhouse gas emissions. The social aspects related to the bioenergy sector are also potential obstacles to its development. These pressing issues for policymakers call for a better understanding on how national and international laws should regulate the growth of the bioenergy sector. Flying over the economic, environmental, social, and legislative aspects faced by the bioenergy sector, we conclude on threads, opportunities, and priorities that should be considered for its development and propose directions for future studies.

DOI:10.1561/101.00000133