To raise awareness of the significance and highlight the critical role of sustainable bioenergy in the global energy transitions, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) has issued a joint statement that seeks to address the persistent debates about what role bioenergy should play in support of climate and development goals.
As the world searches for viable solutions for decarbonization, it becomes clear that a diverse mix of renewable energy, including various forms of sustainable bioenergy, is essential in the energy transitions.
The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)’s 1.5°C Scenario forecasts that bioenergy will contribute to over 18 percent of the total final energy consumption (TPEC) by 2050, including direct uses (16 percent) and electricity generation (2.3 percent).
To raise awareness of the significance and highlight the critical role of sustainable bioenergy in the global energy transitions, IRENA has issued a joint statement alongside the Clean Energy Ministerial Biofuture Platform Initiative, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the International Energy Agency (IEA), the IEA Bioenergy Technology Collaboration Programme (IEA Bioenergy TCP), the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).
Developed by a Cross-Initiative Coordination Group on Bioenergy and convened by the Global Bioenergy Partnership (GBEP), the statement seeks to address the persistent debates about what role bioenergy should play in support of climate and development goals.
Versatile, storable, and dispatchable
Bioenergy derivatives are versatile, storable, and dispatchable, making them ideal for directly replacing fossil fuels in various sectors, including transport, power and heat production, industrial processes, and clean cooking.
They can complement other renewable sources, thus enhancing the resilience and sustainability of energy systems.
Currently, biofuels are regarded as one of the most feasible options in hard-to-abate sectors, such as aviation and shipping, which require energy-dense carriers.
We must be realistic – our decarbonization targets cannot be met without sustainable bioenergy, especially in hard-to-abate sectors. We need bioenergy to achieve net zero, and only good governance can ensure its sustainable use and practice, said Roland Roesch, Director, Innovation and Technology Centre.
Bioenergy is context-dependent
Since bioenergy sources are intricately tied to geographical, biophysical, and socio-economic factors – particularly in land-based sectors – varied feedstock options for diverse end-uses present unique energy transition pathways in different regions.
This leads to tailored decarbonization strategies that meet the specific needs of different countries.
As depicted in IRENA’s recent bioenergy reports, diverse business models and supply chains highlight the regional intricacies of bioenergy dynamics, especially in emerging markets like Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Sub-Saharan Africa.
The benefits and trade-offs of bioenergy systems are context-dependent, requiring careful consideration of local needs and priorities.
When produced with energy-efficient and low-emission technologies, sustainable bioenergy contributes significantly to inclusive energy transitions, particularly in regions where other decarbonization options are either costly or unavailable.
The joint statement emphasizes the crucial role of sustainable bioenergy – derived from a variety of biomass resources – in the bioeconomy.
It can be produced from integrated systems in agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and aquaculture, alongside food and bio-based products, or from biogenic waste and residue streams.
What makes bioenergy attractive is its contribution to local socio-economic growth, especially for communities whose livelihoods rely heavily on bioeconomy.
Robust governance is required
In order to maximize the benefits of sustainable bioenergy while minimizing potential risks, robust governance is required.
This includes evidence-based assessments of environmental, economic, social, and political factors, ensuring food and energy security, climate justice, biodiversity stewardship, land and water rights, and alignment with local development priorities.
Principles of nature-based solutions, such as stakeholder engagement and informed consent, are critical in this process. Recognized norms for quality and sustainability are essential for facilitating investments, fair trade, monitoring, and verification.
In summary, sustainable bioenergy plays a vital role in the global energy transitions, supporting climate and sustainable development goals.
Through good governance, bioenergy – as part of the greater bioeconomy – can contribute to addressing risks related to land and resource use, food security, natural ecosystems, and carbon stocks, while promoting equity, justice, and economic competitiveness.
