Bioenergy power plants in China had the largest capacity in the world at 22.5 gigawatts in 2019. The global capacity of bioenergy plants totaled approximately 140 gigawatts.
Biomass demand
Bioenergy is one of the largest contributors to renewable energy demand – traditional biomass use in developing countries and more modern uses for biomass account for a large part of bioenergy consumption. Although fossil fuels remain the primary source for heating, the combustion of biomass acts as a renewable heating source. Traditional use of biomass occurs when wood biomass or charcoal, as well as dung and agricultural residues are burned in simple devices.
Modern biomass combustion plant
As seen in the traditional combustion of biomass for heat, modern uses of biomass can be complex due to the nature of the materials used. Some biomass requires pre-treatment before being burned. The heat from the combustion is used to fire the boiler, generating hot water or steam, which turns a turbine that produces electricity.
Capacity of bioenergy power plants in selected countries and worldwide in 2019
(in gigawatts)
Adjust the presentation of the statistic and data points.
Share the statistic on social media channels or embed the statistic in your
website using "Embed Code", where available.
Cite this statistic and select one of the following formats: APA, Chicago, Harvard, MLA & Bluebook.
Print the statistic including description and metadata.
Chart type
Capacity of bioenergy power plants in selected countries and worldwide in 2019
Share this statistic
You have no right to use this feature.
Make sure to contact us if you are interested in scientific citation.
You can upgrade your account to enable this functionality for all statistics.
This feature is not available with your current account.Request access
Learn more about how Statista can support your business.
REN21. (June 15, 2020). Capacity of bioenergy power plants in selected countries and worldwide in 2019 (in gigawatts) [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved February 19, 2025, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/264637/world-biomass-energy-capacity/
REN21. "Capacity of bioenergy power plants in selected countries and worldwide in 2019 (in gigawatts)." Chart. June 15, 2020. Statista. Accessed February 19, 2025. https://www.statista.com/statistics/264637/world-biomass-energy-capacity/
REN21. (2020). Capacity of bioenergy power plants in selected countries and worldwide in 2019 (in gigawatts). Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: February 19, 2025. https://www.statista.com/statistics/264637/world-biomass-energy-capacity/
REN21. "Capacity of Bioenergy Power Plants in Selected Countries and Worldwide in 2019 (in Gigawatts)." Statista, Statista Inc., 15 Jun 2020, https://www.statista.com/statistics/264637/world-biomass-energy-capacity/
REN21, Capacity of bioenergy power plants in selected countries and worldwide in 2019 (in gigawatts) Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/264637/world-biomass-energy-capacity/ (last visited February 19, 2025)
Capacity of bioenergy power plants in selected countries and worldwide in 2019 (in gigawatts) [Graph], REN21, June 15, 2020. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/264637/world-biomass-energy-capacity/
Profit from additional features with an Employee Account
Please create an employee account to be able to mark statistics as favorites.
Then you can access your favorite statistics via the star in the header.
Profit from the additional features of your individual account
Currently, you are using a shared account. To use individual functions (e.g., mark statistics as favourites, set
statistic alerts) please log in with your personal account.
If you are an admin, please authenticate by logging in again.