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Assessing the Sustainability of Agricultural Bioenergy Potential in the European Union

Author

Listed:
  • Gabriela Ignat

    (Department of Agroeconomy, Faculty of Agriculture, “Ion Ionescu de la Brad” Iasi University of Life Sciences, Mihail Sadoveanu Alley, 700489 Iasi, Romania)

  • Lilia Șargu

    (Department of Economy and Tourism, Faculty of Economics, University of European Studies of Moldova, 2069 Chisinau, Moldova)

  • Ioan Prigoreanu

    (Department of Agroeconomy, Faculty of Agriculture, “Ion Ionescu de la Brad” Iasi University of Life Sciences, Mihail Sadoveanu Alley, 700489 Iasi, Romania)

  • Nicu Șargu

    (Faculty of Finance, ASEM Doctoral School, Academy of Economic Studies of Moldova, 2005 Chisinau, Moldova)

  • Andrian Ulinici

    (Department of Economy and Tourism, Faculty of Economics, University of European Studies of Moldova, 2069 Chisinau, Moldova)

  • Gabriela Daniela Bordeianu

    (Teaching and Research Department, Faculty of Economics, Law and Administrative Sciences, University “George Bacovia” Bacău, 96, Pictor Aman St., 600164 Bacău, Romania)

Abstract

The present study aims to assess the sustainability of bioenergy potential from agriculture in the European Union in the period 2012–2021, with a particular focus on material flow and emissions management, bioenergy and recycling impacts, while assessing the potential of bioenergy from agriculture and analyzing the degree of self-sufficiency and import dependency in the biomass economy. While biomass has significant potential in the EU energy transition, its use is accompanied by challenges related to sustainability, carbon neutrality, efficiency and economic viability. Using a quantitative approach based on official statistical data, this research tracked the evolution of biomass imports, exports, domestic extraction and consumption, providing a comprehensive picture of the stability and adaptability of the biomass economy in the European Union. The results indicate a steady increase in domestic extraction and a stability in consumption, reflecting a high capacity of the European Union to manage biomass resources; thus, the degree of self-sufficiency has been high throughout the period, with a moderate dependence on imports, showing an adaptable economy. The conclusions suggest that in order to maintain this stability, the European Union must continue to develop balanced economic and environmental policies that support the sustainable use of biomass and contribute to the energy transition and environmental objectives.

Suggested Citation

  • Gabriela Ignat & Lilia Șargu & Ioan Prigoreanu & Nicu Șargu & Andrian Ulinici & Gabriela Daniela Bordeianu, 2024. "Assessing the Sustainability of Agricultural Bioenergy Potential in the European Union," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(19), pages 1-25, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:17:y:2024:i:19:p:4879-:d:1488320
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    References listed on IDEAS

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