A review of the current state of bioenergy development in G8 +5 Countries

Nov 2007

This report is part of the Global Bioenergy Partnership (GBEP)’s ongoing efforts to monitor the status of bioenergy development in member countries and create a basis for future discussion of sustainability criteria and possible guidelines for sustainable bioenergy development.
It was requested by the GBEP Steering Committee and provides an overview of current bioenergy policies, strategies and legislation in G8 +5 Countries which represents a basis for recommendations on the future programme of work of GBEP in order to promote sustainable development of bioenergy.
The GBEP report finds that bioenergy is already available and can provide immediate solutions and further technological advances in a relatively short time. As regards research and development, the so-called second-generation biofuels derived from celluloisic biomass (rice husks, sugar-cane bagasse, agricultural residues and municipal waste) or from microalgae are likely to start providing large amounts of ethanol and biodiesel in an environmentally friendly way within the next 10 years. This growth in bioenergy needs to be carefully managed and coordinated if we are to make the most of its benefits and resolve its challenges.
The report covers the following subjects:
An overview of what bioenergy is and its contribution to the global energy supply;
an overview of bioenergy policies across countries, key drivers, sustainability and trade considerations;
bioenergy consumption data in the G8 +5 Countries;
country specific analysis of bioenergy development promotion and regional efforts.
The report ends with some tips on the estimation process of bioenergy data.

By: Global Bioenergy Partnership (GBEP)

 
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