Established in 2016 in Marrakech, during COP22, the CEM Biofuture Platform is a key tool for developing and promoting multilateral collaboration and policy debate on the use of biofuels and sustainable bio-based solutions, promoting the exchange of best practices related to technologies, regulatory aspects and financial support, as well as fostering consensus through information activities.
In this context, the Italian Minister for the Environment and Energy Security (MASE), Gilberto Pichetto-Fratin, stated: “Italy wishes to thank the International Energy Agency (IEA) for acting as Facilitator of the Platform,and all Member Countries for having supported the candidacy of Italy as Chair of the CEM Biofuture Platform Initiative. Built on the excellent previous mandates of the United States and Brazil, we are at a unique moment to promote policies and initiatives that must further promote the use of sustainable biofuels as an effective and strategic solution in all sectors, including those that are difficult to abate and transport, including road transport; and to address global sectoral challenges and promote a safe and sustainable energy transition through a concrete and non-ideological approach”.
“Italy is committed to chair the CEM Biofuture Platform from 2025 to 2027, in close collaboration with all Members and Vice-Chairs, to further develop the biofuels component within the global agenda on sustainable fuels and future fuels, in particular in the context of the CEM, the COP and the G20; working together to promote the key role of sustainable bio-based solutions and biofuels at global level, also enhancing international excellences both at industrial and research level, building consensus on the basis of scientific evidence. Italy will do its utmost to explore the opportunities for the development of sustainable biomass supply chains and stimulate private sector investments towards objectives for a Net Zero and Net Negative future”.
The chairmanship of the Biofuture Platform has been assigned to Prof David Chiaramonti, from Politecnico di Torino, who commented: “We express our sincere gratitude to Dr Jim Spaeth, for the guidance during the former US leadership. It is an honour for us to take this role: we will do our best to continue the work done by the former chairs Brazil and US, aiming at fostering sustainable biomass industrial deployment, in collaboration with the Vice-Chairs from Brazil and The Netherlands”.
Prof Stefano Corgnati, Rector of Politecnico di Torino, also remarked the following: “It is a mission and commitment of Politecnico di Torino towards Italian and EU/International Institutions to facilitate the green transition towards Net Zero, supporting policy making and providing guidance to ensure an environmentally, socially and economically sustainable path. We are proud to support MASE in leading such impressive number of Countries driving the green change”.
According to the International Energy Agency, the Biofuture Platform’s Facilitator, modern sustainable bioenergy makes up more than half of total renewable energy supply today. While it is set to expand by 20% in absolute terms by 2030 under current policies and market contexts, this growth would need to significantly accelerate in order to achieve world’s long-term energy and climate targets.
Dr Paolo Frankl (IEA), Head of the Biofuture Platform Facilitation Team, commented: “Sustainable bioenergy is the ‘hidden giant’ of renewable energy, bringing multiple benefits such as strengthening energy security and diversification, supporting rural economic development and reducing emissions. International collaboration is a key element in order to unlock its vast remaining potential, through stronger policies supporting innovation and attracting investment. The IEA will be honoured to continue to support the Biofuture Platform in achieving its ambitious objectives under the new leadership of Italy, Brazil and The Netherlands.”
