The leadership of the Latvian Biomass Association reported that information has emerged in Brussels regarding doubts from the European Commission about the role of forest biomass in energy supply. Greater emphasis is suggested to be placed on agricultural biomass.
Minister of Agriculture Armands Krauze notes that forest biomass remains the most important renewable energy resource in Latvia now and in the near future, possessing significant development potential. A significant portion of the biomass produced — fuel wood, including pellets and briquettes — is exported by Latvian companies. According to him, it is unacceptable for resources that can be used to produce in-demand products to lose value due to diseases or weather conditions. He also pointed out that agricultural biomass in Latvia is not produced in such volumes that it could be systematically used for energy production, and within the framework of sustainable agriculture, biomass residues should be returned to the soil.
"Forest biomass is seen as a significant resource for the economy and an important factor in ensuring Latvia's energy independence. There are already enough difficulties with coordination between EU member states and the implementation of the sustainability criteria for biomass established by the directive," the Ministry of Agriculture states.
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