Programme, Slides, Case Studies and Conclusions

Concluding remarks from the presentations, as well as some additional comments from the discussion:

• The possibilities for biomass in the Candidate countries, as well as in most EU member countries, are very large, but there are financial sources needed for their implementation.
• The main benefits for biomass are job creation, regional development, environmental and economic benefits
• Biomass has the possibility to promote cross-border co-operation.
• In the development of new markets, it is very important that equipment is used as recommended by the manufacturer, and that not all sorts of biomass can be combusted in all burners.
• Standardisation work regarding both fuel and equipment is important to ensure low emissions, especially on local level, as well as larger market penetration in Europe. Standardisation is also very important to ensure higher possibilities for increased export within Europe and between member (and future member) countries.
• Targets on the EU level set in the Whitebook is good , but it is not enough for RES implementation. In this context national actions as well as regional actions are needed. In this process the local and regional energy agency play an important role as a driving force.
• Driving forces are mainly based on the financial side, but in addition information and education is still important. The important of business development should not be underestimated.
• Countries with a small internal use of biomass could find export opportunities as a driving force. This is true especially for e.g. wood pellets. Subsidies are important but only in the short term in order to have financial sustainability.
• Harmonisation (taxes etc) in relation to Candidate countries' inclusion in the union is a key word.
• Combined business and study tours could be a possible action in the right direction.
• Internalisation of external costs is extremely important to succeed with reducing carbon dioxide.