How2Guide for Bioenergy

How2Guide for Bioenergy

Introduction

Bioenergy is the largest source of renewable energy today, providing heat, electricity, and transport fuels. The International Energy Agency (IEA) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) have collaborated to prepare this guide to support policymakers in developing and implementing bioenergy strategies.

About Bioenergy Pathways

Bioenergy pathways should be economically, socially, and environmentally viable. The guide aims to provide practical tools and a conceptual framework to support these efforts.

Guide Structure and Roadmapping Process

The guide is structured into four phases:

1. Planning and Preparation

   • Conducting Baseline Research: Assessing current bioenergy usage.
   • Assessing Biomass Potential and Resources: Identifying sources of biomass.
   • Assessing Available Technologies and Costs: Evaluating different technologies and associated costs.
   • Assessing Sustainability: Ensuring bioenergy meets sustainability criteria.
   • Identifying Bioenergy Stakeholders: Engaging relevant stakeholders.

2. Visioning

   • Drivers for Bioenergy: Understanding factors driving bioenergy adoption.
   • Deployment Targets: Setting specific deployment goals.

3. Roadmap Development

   • Biomass Resource Planning: Considering biomass resource availability.
   • Bioenergy Plants and Conversion Technologies: Evaluating plant and technology options.
   • Energy Infrastructure: Addressing electricity, heat, and transport markets.
   • Financial and Economic Considerations: Assessing financial viability.

4. Implementation, Monitoring, and Revision

   • Monitoring Roadmap Implementation: Tracking progress.
   • Monitoring Sustainability: Ensuring sustainable bioenergy production and use.
   • International Collaboration: Facilitating international cooperation.

Key Considerations

• Biomass Sources: Various sources such as agricultural residues, forestry residues, and dedicated energy crops.
• Technologies: Advanced conversion technologies like gasification, pyrolysis, and biochemical processes.
• Sustainability: Ensuring lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental impacts are minimized.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Involving government, industry, and community stakeholders.

Conclusion

The guide aims to support efforts at both national and regional levels to realize the potential and benefits of bioenergy, contributing to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement.

Annexes

• Overview of Policy Instruments: Tools to promote bioenergy uptake.
• GBEP Indicators: Metrics for monitoring bioenergy sustainability.
• Biofuels Blending Targets: Country-specific blending targets and mandates.

References

Detailed references for further reading.

Acronyms, Abbreviations, and Units of Measure

List of acronyms, abbreviations, and measurement units used throughout the guide.