Bioenergy

Due to the many environmental, social and economic benefits linked to bioenergy at times when carbon constraints and high crude oil prices limit further growth in the use of fossil fuels, there is increasing interest in developing and developed countries in modern bioenergy and biofuels. Within this context, the bioenergy programme works to establish an internationally agreed-upon system that guarantees that bioenergy commodities are of a known pedigree and are produced sustainably, without destroying the sector’s prospects. The programme explores the prospects for bioenergy in the “energy mix” and how the right policy mix might balance the different interests involved, i.e., energy, agriculture, transport, environment and trade. The programme’s main areas of work are focused on: sustainable development impacts and synergies; resource assessment; market creation and policy interventions; and business development and finance.