Directive 2009/28/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23  April 2009 on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources and amending and subsequently repealing Directives 2001/77/EC and  2003/30/EC.

For biomass to be effective at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, it must be produced in a sustainable way. Biomass production involves a chain of activities ranging from the growing of feedstock to final energy conversion.

Individual EU countries have different available resources and their own unique energy markets. This means that they will have to follow distinctive paths when it comes to meeting their obligations under the Renewable Energy Directive.

European Commission guidance for the design of renewables support schemes Accompanying the document.

European Commission guidance for renewables support schemesSearch for available translations of the preceding link 

Energy and environment state aid guidelines 2014-2020

EU countries should take advantage of the renewable energy potential in other countries via cooperation mechanisms. This would keep costs low for consumers and boost investor confidence.

Renewable energy can be produced from a wide variety of sources including wind, solar, hydro, tidal, geothermal, and biomass.