The European Union has presented an Action Plan to re-launch the use of biomasses for the production of “green energy” as an alternative to petroleum (ever more expensive) and natural gas (whose dependence on Russia and Ukraine is beginning to become problematic). Biomass energy is derived from the combustion of products of agriculture and forestry (timber), solid and liquid refuse and animal by-products. At the present time they cover only 4% of European energy needs ( c.69 million oil equivalent tons). The Brussels Plan has set a target of 185 million oil equivalent tons by 2010. The positive impact would be considerable on various fronts: creation of 250/300,000 new jobs; regeneration of rural areas; reduction of greenhouse gas emissions; lowering of the price of petrol; and significant reduction in the energy dependence of the EU and of some non-self-sufficient member states. http//www.europa.eu.int/comm/energy/res/biomass_action_plan/green_electricity_en.htm
