Bioenergy (aka biomass energy) is using organic matter (plants, etc.) as fuel via technologies such as gas collection, gasification (converting solid material to gas), combustion and digestion (for wet wastes).

When biomass is used to generate energy in an efficient and sustainable way, it has a role to play in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and we strongly supports this.

Biofuels could be part of a sustainable solution to climate change, by reducing emissions from road transport, especially when combined with more energy efficient transport.

In particular, second generation biofuels can make a significant contribution to reducing GHG from transport in a sustainable way and we encourage research and development into second generation biofuels.

Given that our overriding goal is to address the climate crisis, the primary criteria against which to measure any biofuel production technology is that it results in a net reduction of greenhouse gases and that it is used in the most efficient way possible.

In order to sustain greenhouse gas reductions, biofuel production must not contribute to the destruction of natural forests or other natural ecosystems, or to social conflicts including food security and biofuel crops must be grown in a sustainable way.

• Published by:http://www.greenpeace.org/international/campaigns/climate-change/solutions/bioenergy