Biofuels already make up an important part of energy supplies in Norway, Finland and Sweden. In Sweden, they account for about 1/3 of energy production, in Finland for approximately 1/4 (Eurostat: Energy, Yearly Statistics 2008).  About 90% of biofuels come from forestry.

Logging residue is increasingly used as biofuel, and this method is thought to have little or no adverse effect on biodiversity. However, this is dependent upon forestry being run with greater respect for the environment than at present. It would also require measures to avoid damage to the resources that underpin forest biodiversity. It is particularly important that large dead trees and old deciduous trees are retained, as these provide habitats for many endangered species.

However, other methods of biomass harvesting are considered to have mainly negative consequences – and in some cases, these can be quite severe. More intensive forest management would further reinforce the many negative effects forestry already has on biodiversity. The afforestation of abandoned agricultural land is considered to be highly detrimental to the landscape, as these fields often provide highly diverse habitats. In addition, the cultivation of biofuel crops on agricultural land is considered to have largely adverse effects.

Further information, see the report "Increased biomass harvesting for bioenergy - effects on biodiversity, landscape amenities and cultural heritage values".