The article is devoted to the study of the state, problems and prospects of ensuring the sustainable use of woody forest biomass. Most of the bioenergy resources used in Ukraine for energy production are woody forest biomass. At the same time, there is a dangerous tendency to exceed the use of woody forest biomass above its potential. The norms governing the use of woody forest biomass contain various normative legal acts of Ukraine. However, the general concept of “woody forest biomass” is not defined in domestic legislation. The definition of “forest biomass” is contained in Directive (EU) 2018/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources of December 11, 2018. Besides, Directive (EU) 2018/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources of December 11, 2018 (RED II Directive) and its amendments (RED III Directive) – Directive (EU) 2023/2413 of the European Parliament and of the Council of October 18, 2023 amending Directive (EU) 2018/2001, Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 and Directive 98/70/EC as regards the promotion of energy from renewable sources, and repealing Council Directive (EU) 2015/652 contains criteria for the sustainability of forest biomass in the EU. The European concept and practice of close to nature silviculture is an important reference point for ensuring the sustainable use of woody forest biomass in Ukraine. A special (limited) approach is required for the harvesting and use of woody forest biomass, which is a component of the ecosystem. Among the main problems of ensuring the sustainable use of woody forest biomass are noncompliance with the sustainability criteria of woody forest biomass at all stages (from harvesting to consumption), burning of forest wood waste in the forest, non-compliance with the proper ratio between leaving dead wood in the forest and its harvesting for energy production etc. To ensure the sustainable use of woody forest biomass, it is important not only to implement relevant European standards into national legislation, in particular the criteria for the sustainability of forest biomass, but also to introduce European practices that are close to nature.
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