GBEP examines new work supporting technology transfer for sustainable bioenergy

Successful progress by the Global Bioenergy Partnership on its programme of work means it is now considering expanding its activities into the critical area of technology transfer, which may lead to practical steps being taken to facilitate the widespread deployment of technologies for sustainable bioenergy.

It is widely felt that there is huge potential in the field of bioenergy to widen the deployment of best currently available techniques. This focus on technology co-operation would also allow GBEP to work more on the tools required to help developing countries in this arena, in line with its mandate from the G8. It could also help build home-grown expertise in environmentally friendly technologies so that over time the donor-driven character of technology transfer is reduced.

The GBEP Steering Committee meeting in New York on May 14 recognised the importance of technology co-operation for the partnership and assessed a proposal to establish a new Task Force on this topic (provisionally called the GBEP Task Force on Deployment of Technologies for Sustainable Bioenergy). The meeting noted the significance of the ambitious programme of work proposed in this area but stopped short of formally creating a new Task Force, pending discussions to better identify a focused programme of work and terms of reference.

The proposal, drawn up at the 4th Technical Working Group, held in Heidelberg, Germany, on 18 March, envisages an initial phase lasting about a year, with activities focusing on conceptual work including
workshops, information exchange and guidance on funding options for bioenergy projects
collation of examples of good practice in bioenergy production, use and policy-making
use of analytical tools on assessing sustainable bioenergy potential and implementing bioenergy strategies at a national level
identification of principles, conditions and institutional frameworks to facilitate the deployment of technologies for sustainable bioenergy.

Following this, it was suggested that an atlas of bioenergy potential may be produced, with a focus on developing countries, and a step-by-step national policy guide. The work of the first two phases is then intended to serve as a basis for the start of pilot activities among GBEP Partners that promote the deployment of technologies for sustainable bioenergy. The activities are expected to cover all technologies related to the bioenergy value chain, including feedstock production.

These proposals will now be subject to informal discussions among GBEP Partners in June, chaired by UNIDO. The Chair Summary of the Technical Working Group meeting in March can be downloaded here.

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