The rule of oil and coal in the world’s energy production seems to be coming to an end with the threat of global climate change, but what is going to replace them? How to get rid of the CO2 emissions that strengthen the greenhouse effect?

One answer to the climate change problem is bioenergy, since growing plants absorb the same amount of CO2 as is emitted when it is burned. Finland is one of the leading users of bioenergy, and its proportion is increasing constantly. For example in Northern Carelia, over half of all energy is produced from bioenergy. Energy is derived from wood, wood chips and pellets for industrial plants, private houses as well as whole communities. The energy sue of reed canary grass is explored, and biofuels are also being introduced.

What happens to forests, when their use for energy is increased? And is bioenergy as environmentally friendly as is commonly believed?