New bioenergy roadmap guide released jointly by IEA and FAO

As a flexible and competitive source of renewable energy, bioenergy can play a key role in decarbonising energy systems by responding to the needs of a wide range of demand profiles in the electricity, buildings, and transport sectors.

Recognising the importance of taking a cross-cutting approach to bioenergy strategies that rely on sustainable biomass use, the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) have jointly prepared this How2Guide for Bioenergy, designed to provide policy makers with the methodology and tools required to successfully plan and implement a roadmap for bioenergy at the national or regional level.

As with any innovative technology, designing and implementing national and regional technology roadmaps plays a key role in supporting bioenergy development and implementation, helping countries to identify priorities and sustainable pathways tailored to local resources and markets. Bioenergy policy should be woven with consideration of sustainability so to avoid increased pressure on natural resources – including land, water and biodiversity.

Sustainable bioenergy policies and strategies require careful preparation and execution. Drawing on case studies from around the world, the manual seeks to provide evidence-based guidance for decision-makers. It looks at opportunities and trade-offs on the basis of country resources, technology endowments, agricultural patterns, energy consumption, while at the same time seeking to promote energy and food security, economic growth, and environmental protection.

Stemming from the experience under the IEA Technology Roadmap programme that has helped set the global agenda clean energy technology innovation and deployment, and the FAO’s Support Package to Decision-Making for Sustainable Bioenergy, which includes the Bioenergy and Food Security (BEFS) Approach and assesses the sustainability of bioenergy supply chains, the How2Guide for Bioenergy is intended as a flexible toolbox to plan, implement, and track bioenergy roadmaps.