Biomass is derived from different types of organic matter such as energy plants (oilseeds, plants containing sugar) and forestry, agricultural or urban waste including wood and household waste. Biomass can be used for heating, cooling, producing electricity and transport biofuels. Use of biomass significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions. The carbon dioxide it gives off when burned is counterbalanced by the amount absorbed when the plant in question was grown. However, there are always some emissions from processes like cultivation and fuel production, so biomass is not completely carbon-free.

Different types of biomass use different technologies and processes for the production of bioenergy, as shown below.
Solid biomass (like wood and straw) can be put through processes including combustion, pyrolysis, hydrolysis or gasification to produce bioenergy.
Biogas can be produced from organic waste through anaerobic fermentation and obtained from landfill gas. It can be used in vehicles adapted to run on natural gas.

Why biomass?
• It diversifies the energy supply.
• It replaces high CO2-emitting conventional fuels.
• It helps recycle waste.
• It protects and creates jobs in rural areas.
• It extends the EU’s technological leadership in bioenergy.

Biofuels and bioliquids originate from renewable resources using biomass (organic matter or plants). Today they represent the only widely available energy resource that can replace fossil fuels in the transport sector.
There are two main types of ‘biofuels’ (biomass used in the transport sector) — biodiesel and bioethanol. These are both liquid fuels currently mostly processed from agricultural crops or plants.
Biodiesel is mostly produced from oleaginous plants such as rapeseed or sunflower. It is the product of vegetable oils reacting with methanol.
Bioethanol is produced mainly by fermentation of sugar from sugar beet, different cereals, fruits or even wine. Second generation biofuels, specifically promoted by the new directive, are being developed from cellulose biomass feedstock. This will allow new methods of biofuel production from agriculture, forestry, wood, pulp and paper products, by-products and waste through more sophisticated processes.
Why biofuels?
• They constitute the only widely available renewable alternative to fossil fuels in transport.
• They help recycle waste.
• They diversify energy sources for non-oil producing countries.
• They reduce CO2 emissions and other forms of pollution.
• They create jobs, especially in agriculture and forestry.
All biofuels and bioliquids produced with support from  public funds in the EU or counting towards Member State targets for renewable energy in transport must comply with the renewable energy directive sustainability regime.

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