| October 2025

Climate impact of energy-related use of wood

Brief legal opinion. Climate Change, 65/2025, Federal Environment Agency, Dessau-Roßlau.

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Abstract

The use of wood for energy is a relevant component of the energy and heat supply in Germany. However, in view of new scientific findings, wood cannot be classified without restriction as renewable energy within the meaning of the Paris climate targets. Against this background, this brief legal opinion examines how the current law assesses the climate impact of energy-related use of wood. The analysis focuses on the relevant federal and European regulations on the use of wood for energy.

Related projects

Energetic use of wood

IKEM is investigating how German and European law assess the carbon footprint of using wood for energy.

IKEM-Author(s)

Markus Lehnshack

markus.lehnshack@ikem.de

+49 30 408 1870-38

Further information

Suggested citation:
Lehnshack, Markus: Climate impact of energy-related use of wood. Brief legal opinion. Climate Change, 65/2025, Federal Environment Agency, Dessau-Roßlau. 2025.