The Biofuture Platform announced today that the International Energy Agency (IEA) was designated to assume the role of Facilitator (a role similar to a Secretariat for the initiative), following the Government of Brazil’s interim tenure in that role. The change comes as part of a major governance overhaul to reinforce the Platform’s position as a key driver of international collaboration.
To overcome barriers and accelerate the deployment of biofuels and other bioproducts, the Creating the Biofuture report, also launched today, recommends countries establish clear goals and map potential pathways in order to create and deploy a comprehensive package of interventions, including: technology and innovation support; policies to support market demand and incentives, tied to sustainability measures and carbon lifecycle assessments; and strong financial instruments designed to enable the development of the bioeconomy. According to the report, solid international collaboration and stakeholder engagement will be key to help countries achieve those objectives. Stronger international collaboration is also called for in the 2017 Biofuture Vision Declaration, endorsed by 19 member countries.
With the announced internal governance changes, the Biofuture Platform expects to improve its position to drive this proposed reinforced collaboration, mobilizing governments, industry, academia, and related international initiatives, agencies and organizations. “IEA’s own vision for this sector has already been fully aligned with the Biofuture Platform’s goals on the low carbon bioeconomy since its launch”, said Dr. Fatih Birol, IEA’s Executive Director. “I expect this closer collaboration to increase the reach and impact of our work to the benefit of IEA member countries, Biofuture Platform countries, and energy transitions around the world”.
As Facilitator of the Biofuture Platform, the IEA will work with the initiative´s twenty member countries to implement the Platform´s vision, goals, and programme of work. As part of the governance overhaul, reflected in the new Governance Framework, a new Chair of the Biofuture Platform and a Core Group of countries will be appointed by the member countries to provide ongoing operational, logistical and communications guidance and direction.
