Abstract Presently biomass energy supplies at least 2 EJ/yr (47 Mtoe) in OECD Europe, which is about 4% of total primary energy consumption (54.1 EJ). Estimates of the potential for bioenergy in the next century range from 2 to 20 EJ/yr. This paper estimates a potential of 9.0–13.5 EJ in 2050, which represents 17–30% of projected total energy requirements. This depends on assumptions of available land areas, achievable yields and the amount of recoverable residues utilized. Greater environmental and net energy benefits can be derived from perennial and woody energy crops compared to annual arable crops as alternative feedstocks for fossil fuels. The relative contribution of biofuels in the future will ultimately depend on markets and incentives, on R&D progress and on environmental requirements.