On November 26th, the World Bioenergy Association (WBA) hosted its first National Bioenergy Associations Roundtable. The online event brought together key stakeholders from around the world to discuss opportunities, challenges, and strategies for advancing bioenergy in their respective regions.
Participants delved into critical topics such as sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS), biofuels for shipping, and biogas, biomass for heat, and stressed on the importance of diversifying feedstock to explore alternative sources such as food waste, agricultural residues, and animal by-products. The discussions underscored bioenergy’s critical role in providing energy for homes, industries, and transportation.
Challenges highlighted by the associations were found to be similar across regions, and these included misinformation, regulatory hurdles, and lack of data to support investments. To overcome such challenges, the solutions discussed include harmonizing standards, fostering collaboration, and investing resources in communication and outreach. Participants recognized WBA’s pivotal role in supporting advocacy, facilitating expert consultations, and strengthening the bioenergy sector through capacity building and partnerships.
Based on the success of the first roundtable, WBA plans for future meetings which will include expanding discussions on region-specific challenges, enhancing collaboration among bioenergy associations, and amplifying bioenergy’s voice in global energy debates.
Subsequent meetings will be open exclusively to WBA members, with non-members invited to participate in one meeting as an introduction. If you are interested in participating in the associations’ roundtable, please contact us at info@worldbioenergy.org