EVOLUTION AND PROSPECTS OF AGRICULTURAL BIOMASS IN THE EUROPEAN UNION AND ROMANIA

Abstract

Biomass is a vital source of renewable energy, and the agricultural sector plays a crucial role in providing it through energy crops and residual materials, contributing to the promotion of a sustainable economy. The purpose of the study is to analyze the evolution of agricultural biomass supply at the EU-27 level and in Romania, highlighting the main sources, distribution, and long-term trends. Statistical data for the research were extracted from Eurostat, with the study period being 2008-2020, depending on the available data. The applied research methods are descriptive analysis and linear forecasting (using the FORECAST function) to observe the trends and evolution of agricultural biomass, as well as its sources. Both at the EU-27 level and in Romania, agricultural biomass supply showed an upward trend during the analyzed period. At the European level, in 2020, agricultural biomass supply reached 714 million tons, mostly from agricultural crops (95%), with Romania contributing 4.9% of the total. The forecasts indicate an increase in agricultural biomass until 2025, followed by a decrease until 2030, attributed to climate change, agricultural technologies, and regulations. Romania follows a similar trend, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices to ensure future production. The adoption of sustainable agricultural practices and investment in ecological technologies are crucial for ensuring a constant and sustainable source of biomass in the long term