Germany halts development of national biomass strategy

The German federal government has announced that it currently has no plans to further develop a national biomass strategy, despite previous indications to the contrary. This decision, revealed in responses from the Federal Ministry for the Environment to an inquiry by the Left party, contradicts earlier statements from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs suggesting a strategy would be presented to the cabinet soon.

While the government maintains that the sustainable production and efficient use of biomass are of “great importance” for reducing dependence on fossil fuel imports, the lack of a cohesive strategy raises concerns regarding the Building Modernization Act (GModG). This legislation relies on increasing shares of green fuels, such as biomethane, for gas heating systems. Critics, including members of the Left party, argue that without a clear strategy, it remains uncertain how the increased demand for these resources will be met or where the necessary land and materials will originate.

According to estimates from the Agency for Renewable Resources (FNR), approximately 2.02 million hectares were used for bioenergy crops in 2025, with 1.19 million hectares dedicated to biogas and biomethane. The government expects demand for biogenic fuels to continue rising and believes this demand can be covered, even without the formal strategy.