Chapter 17 – Bioenergy – Realizing the Potential Now!

Publisher Summary This chapter emphasizes the importance of the potential of bioenergy. Countries in different parts of the world have become more aware of the biomass potential they possess and the ways in which it can be used to satisfy modern energy needs and promote development. As a result, the status of bioenergy as an alternative solution to meet energy demands and mitigate climate changes has improved. In 2000, FAO and IEA Bioenergy signed a Memorandum of Understanding for a closer collaboration around cross-sectoral activities focused on bioenergy options. In 2000, a new initiative was launched in the G8 meeting held in Okinawa, Japan, aimed at promoting renewables in developing countries. In 2002, in Johannesburg, energy and development were, for the first time, treated together in an effort to set common global goals for renewable energy. This chapter discusses some issues that need further exploration and research in the short and medium run and which are necessary in the process of promoting bioenergy globally. The discussion on tradeoffs brings considerations related to environmental conservation on the one hand and development and social equity on the other hand. The chapter discusses integration of systems in the context of markets. The chapter concludes with a reflection on a link between the local and the global solutions and the role that developing countries may play in global bioenergy solutions.