Workshop at EUBCE: Bioenergy policy framework

Workshop at the European Biomass Conference & Exhibition, Copenhagen, 14-17 May 2018

Development of a low carbon energy system and realisation of targets set in the Paris Agreement requires a substantial implementation of bioenergy. The current rate of bioenergy deployment is however well below the levels required by International Energy Agency (IEA) and International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). Appropriate policies, market design and regulatory frameworks must be put in place in order to realise bioenergy implement levels that are needed. An essential part of this is the development of a level playing field in which all energy options are evaluated along sustainability metrics which are consistent, transparent and predictable.

Stable and predictable policies are a prerequisite for fostering innovation and development of successful and sustainable energy routes. Transport has especially been difficult to decarbonise, and this aspect has been amplified in the recent debate on the revision of the EU’s Renewable Energy Directive.

The aim of the workshop is to discuss the context of a sustainability assessment and policy framework that ensures selection of bioenergy and alternative options with sufficient environmental quality, stimulates investments in capacity development oriented towards long term carbon goals and provides a climate for lasting economic and social benefits derived from forestry and agriculture. Questions to be discussed include:

• How can incorporation of new scientific insights in the policy arena be linked to the stimulation of chain developments that minimize negative impacts on land use and natural resources and maximises climate, social and other benefits?
• What policy instruments should be implemented to ensure the development of a competitive and sustainable bioenergy industry?
• How to define and implement the best metrics to assess the performance of bioenergy and alternative energy pathways?
• How to ensure public support that stimulates investments that guarantee effective sustainable performance?

Agenda:

Short presentations will be followed by panel discussion involving the audience, chaired by Hans Langeveld, Biomass Research.

• 8:30 – 8:40: Welcome and introduction
• 8:40 – 8:50: Adam Brown (International Energy Agency): ‘A bioenergy roadmap to 2030’
• 8:50 – 9:00: Olivier Dubois (Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations): ‘Possible elements of Effective Bioenergy Policy Framework’
• 9:00 – 9:10: Jeffrey Skeer (International Renewable Energy Agency): ‘Policies for Sustainable Biofuels’
• 9:10 – 9:20: Wim Heijman (Wageningen University): ‘Rural development benefits’
• 9:20 – 9:30: Zoltán Szabó (Ethanol Europe): ‘Challenges for stimulating investments’
• 9:30 – 9:50: Q&A
• 9:50 – 10.10: Panel discussion
• 10:10 – 10:15: Concluding remarks