Estonian biomass complies with sustainability requirements, Dutch Emissions Authority (NEa) finds.

The Dutch Emissions Authority (NEa) found in their report that the Estonian biomass supply for the Dutch energy sector complies with the established sustainability requirements, and that Graanul Invest is correctly mitigating any increased risks. Graanul welcomes the report, which includes important viewpoints and recommendations regarding the sustainability of biomass in Estonia, and continues to invite stakeholders to help achieve the full potential of sustainable bioenergy.

On June 21st, the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate published the report by the NEa on the sustainability of biofuels in Estonia. This study was requested by the Dutch government in response to signals of abuses coming from SOMO. The NEa, as the independent supervisor on climate policy, was asked to assess whether certification to Graanul was granted according to the approved sustainability requirements.

  • The NEa concludes that biomass supplied to the Netherlands from Estonia by Graanul complies with the Dutch legal sustainability criteria. Graanul Invest applauds the thorough scrutiny by NEa, and embraces the findings of the report and its recommendations.
  • The NEa finds that the areas that were stated in the SOMO report are almost certainly not related to biofuels that were delivered in the Netherlands.
  • Moreover, the NEa concludes that no indications were found that forests in Estonia are structurally not managed in a sustainable manner.

Graanul Invest has very strict regulations for materials used and very strict sustainability requirements to source feedstock through legal and sustainable supply chains and forests. As Graanul Invest Group and our forestry companies follow these requirements diligently, we are pleased that the quality and traceability of our forest management are acknowledged by the NEa.

Furthermore, the NEa pointed out that there are still some points of attention related to the implementation of the sustainability scheme. Among others, dialogues between stakeholders, experts, certificate holders and certification bodies are encouraged to create a more mutual understanding of the impact on ecological and carbon values related to biomass. Graanul Invest strongly agrees with this recommendation and is willing to contribute to strengthening mutual cooperation with involved parties to improve sustainability requirements.

Mihkel Jugaste, Head of Quality and Certification Systems of Graanul Invest: ‘’The sustainability checks and supporting evidence are equivalent for each Forest Management Unit we source from. The same information that allowed the NEa to give a very positive assessment is, and has always been, available for all concerned and supportive stakeholders requesting it. The Dutch authorities should now quickly maximize sustainable biomass mobilization through the very pathways they have verified to be sustainable. Otherwise, the immediate need to import fossils would only continue to grow.’’

Graanul Invest is dedicated to creating a globally sustainable and renewable energy system to replace fossil fuel emissions. Sustainable wood bioenergy is recognized as essential for achieving the climate goals by the leading authorities on climate change, including the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the IEA, and the UK’s Climate Change Committee.