Innovations in biomass energy for renewable local energy provision and legitimate income generation

This project explores how to optimise the contribution of woody biomass to renewable energy provision and legitimate commercial income generation – given its comparative advantages as the predominant form of rural energy in most least developed countries, usually widely available at all times, increasingly convertible into all major energy forms (liquid, gas, heat and electricity), readily carbon neutral or even a carbon sink, with the potential to restore unproductive degraded lands and enhance agricultural productivity.

About this project

Background 

Recent Forest Team strategic reviews in association with Southern partners have identified the increasing importance of energy security as an issue -and the contribution that good forest governance can make towards that end. IIED has solid past work experience with partners on policy and practice issues associated with biomass energy (fuel wood, charcoal and liquid biofuels).

The intention of this project is to provide space to explore the literature and scope with partners in three countries the technological, market and political economy drivers that encourage or constrain the use of biomass as a renewable energy source and an opportunity for local income generation. The project will assemble knowledge on recent innovations or established best practice in the supply of biomass and biofuels both on the technological and business side.
 

Location 

Potentially India, Malawi and Tanzania (under discussion)

Dates 

January 2010 – December 2012

Aims 

The aims of this project are:

• To develop a short scoping study / opinion piece on biomass and biofuels for renewable local energy provision and income generation.

• To explore with partners on the current technological, market and political economy drivers that encourage or constrain the use of woody biomass as a renewable energy source and legitimate local income generating opportunity.

• To assemble assemble knowledge on recent innovations or established best practice in the supply of biomass and biofuels both on the technological and business side.

• To develop with partners biomass energy strategies that better secure rights, enhance legitimate enterprise options and contribute to climate mitigation and adaptation forestry.
 

Partners 

Under discussion

Contact 

duncan.macqueen@iied.org

Funded by 

DANIDA, DGIS and NORAD