Biomass is the most relevant renewable energy source, with a wide range of possible and established methods to apply biomass for energy generation. In regards to the supply of sustainable energy, not only the provision of technology but also the integration of this technology into the system will be considerably important. This demands a change in bioenergy provision which is comparable to the transition from traditional to modern biomass use. The need for further development in the provision of bioenergy is also underlined by the challenges affecting the biomass resource base, including increasing demands for biomass for food, feed, materials and fuel. Furthermore, this is underlined by the major concerns surrounding factors relating to the land such as soil, nutrients and biodiversity.

Germany has implemented an active policy for the transition of the energy system towards greater use of renewable energy sources more than a decade ago, which has led to a strong increase in the amount of biomass used for electricity, heat and the provision of transport fuel. With relevant shares of electricity from wind and solar the need for better system integration is on the agenda. The situation in Germany can therefore provide interesting insights into the challenges and opportunities of using bioenergy in its new role. This will be elaborated on step by step in this book, starting with issues relating to the market and resource base, then moving on to analysis of the technical options, followed by the modeling of the effects on the German energy system in a case study and in conclusion focusing on the most promising fields as well as the missing elements for a successful transition.