Biomass is the largest renewable energy source in use today. For the future, bioenergy offers cost-effective and sustainable opportunities with the potential to meet up to 50% of world energy demands during the next century, while meeting the requirements of reducing carbon emissions from fossil fuels. Bioenergy projects come in all sizes and types. Biomass can provide heat, power, transport fuels and even alternative material feedstocks.

Communities with bioenergy systems (often rural) benefit from the economic activity associated with the biomass production. The increased levels of employment and social cohesion help to maintain community stability. Urban attitudes to biomass production are more related to broader concerns for the environment. The examples of bioenergy applications in many European cities also illustrate that bioenergy is not just about local, rural communities but it is important for cities too.