Publications Socio-economic Drivers in Implementing Bioenergy Projects: An Overview

Contacts
Website: www.iea-bioenergy-task29.hr




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Publications

This publication (reference T29:2003:02), is a short overview that describes some of the most important socio-economic issues concerning bioenergy systems, as well as their linkage to and overall impact on biomass utilisation. It was prepared on behalf of the participants in IEA Task 29 and draws on the work of collaborating researchers in Austria, Canada, Croatia, Japan, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

The section headings are as follows:

• Introduction
• The Social Dimension of Bioenergy Systems
• Macro-economic and Supply Security/Diversity Effects
• Supply Side Effects
• Demand Side Effects
• Bioenergy and its Employment-creation Function
• Conclusions and Further Information

The conclusions cover the importance of bioenergy in developing countries, while noting that many of the practices are non-sustainable. It points out that it is sometimes suggested that modernising such activities may increase sustainability, but suggests that this hypothesis needs further investigation and considers that the potential for generating employment opportunities is worth serious study, with issues including aspects of gender, health, environment, poverty and rural development.

The publication points out that in developing countries, particularly within the EU, bioenergy and other renewable energies are being promoted on the basis of contribution to energy security and environmental benefits, together with other benefits. These include aspects of job creation, improved industrial competitiveness, regional development and the development of a strong export industry. Experiences gained in Europe should be disseminated, not only within the energy community, but also to a much larger audience in terms of lessons learned, techniques derived and case study experiences.

It is suggested that Task 29 has made a good start in giving detailed consideration to the value of bioenergy when viewed in the broader context of society, environment and the economy during the first working period, that finished at the end of 2002 and reports that the activity has now been prolonged by the Executive Committee of IEA Bioenergy to 31 December 2005.

Contacts

Contact

• Keith RICHARDS / TV Energy Renewable Energy for the Thames Valley / UNITED KINGDOM

Task Leader

• Julije DOMAC / Energy Institute Hrvoje Pozer / CROATIA