14 November 2022, Vienna (AT) – The IEA Bioenergy Technology Collaboration Programme and the Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM) Biofuture Platform Initiative have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to implement collaborative activities in the field of bioenergy, with a focus on biofuels and biorefineries.
According to the MoU, the parties will share their complementary skills, knowledge and experience to achieve substantial benefits for sustainable bioenergy and bioeconomy development worldwide, by:
– developing new collaborative projects and activities
– maximising efficiency and effectiveness of undertaken actions
– monitoring impacts and effectiveness of bioenergy policies and strategies
The objectives of the MoU will be implemented through exchange of information and data, sharing of expertise, organisation of joint events, and realization of studies on mutually agreed topics.
Paul Bennett, Chair of IEA Bioenergy TCP: “IEA Bioenergy wants to ensure that bioenergy is an integral part of the future bioeconomy. Working closely with the Biofuture Platform is a significant step towards making this happen. In its recent World Energy Outlook 2022, the International Energy Agency has once again indicated that modern bioenergy is one of the crucial elements in the transition towards a net zero energy system in 2050, representing around 15% of total final energy consumption. The discussions at COP27 in Egypt clearly emphasize that strong action is needed to accelerate the decarbonisation of transport, power, buildings and industry sectors and put higher focus on the shift to sustainable agriculture and forestry in changing climates. Biomass contributes to a fossil-free and climate positive energy system, increases the reliability of the system and scores high in terms of energy security as it is available at the local/regional level. Moreover, it provides opportunities for rural communities and paves the way for a circular bioeconomy.”
Jim Spaeth, Chair of Biofuture Platform: “With the signing of this MOU, the Clean Energy Ministerial Biofuture Platform Initiative is energized to formalize our collaboration with the IEA Bioenergy TCP to advance mutual understanding with diverse stakeholders of bioenergy, biofuels, bio-based products, and the bioeconomy in critical technical areas such as biomass availability and sustainability, life cycle analysis, carbon accounting, and policy optimization. Addressing these challenging opportunities using performance-based, technology-agnostic, and best available science and information is essential to enabling biomass to contribute to an inclusive clean energy transition and a Net Zero, circular economy”.