Recently, the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina reached an important conclusion:
"...that in quantitative terms, bioenergy plays a minor role in the transition to renewable, sustainable energy sources in Germany at the present time and probably in the future."
Bioenergy is defined as the energy obtained from burning non-fossil plant biomass or biomass-derived biofuels. According to the report, "Bioenergy requires more surface area, is associated with higher greenhouse gas emissions and is more harmful to the environment than other renewable sources such as photovoltaic, solar thermal energy and wind energy".
For more information on their report, go to:
http://www.leopoldina.org/en/press/news/leopoldina-critical-towards-use-of-bioenergy/