This study aims to estimate the potential for sustainable bioenergy production in Africa through such systems, based on the evaluation of yields for 15 short-rotation woody crops.

This study reviews the bioenergy potential from sugarcane and associated development costs in seven sugar-producing countries in the Southern African Development Community (SADC), aiming to provide a foundation for more detailed country-level studies exploring practical potential.

This report estimates the potential of agricultural residues for bioenergy production in Southeast Asia, sub-Saharan Africa and South America, and highlights best practices for the effective mobilisation of these resources.

This IRENA/IEA-ETSAP technology brief provides technical background analyses the potential and barriers for market growth, and offers insights for policy makers on biomass for heat and power.

Biomass has an auspicious future in the world’s supply of renewable energy. REmap 2030, the global roadmap developed by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), foresees a major role for modern, sustainable biomass technologies in efforts to double the share of renewables in the energy mix.

This study describes Finland's approach to sustainable biomass supply based on forest wood resources, offering insights to other countries on how to develop forest bioenergy.

This technology brief from IRENA examines the multi-dimensional logistical challenges of establishing a steady supply chain for solid biomass.

This report offers detailed estimates of the biomass resource potential in Ghana, Mozambique, Nigeria, South Africa and Uganda. With conversion to advanced liquid biofuels, sustainable biomass feedstock could potentially meet or exceed the five countries’ combined fuel needs for transport in 2050, according IRENA estimates.

Southeast Asia has considerable resources to produce liquid biofuels sustainably, using biomass feedstocks that would not cause carbon-dioxide emissions or interfere with food supply. This report offers detailed estimates of biomass resource potential for Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Viet Nam. According to an IRENA assessment, advanced biofuels could provide as much as 7.3 exajoules of primary energy per annum in Southeast Asia by 2050, or half of the region’s total primary bioenergy potential.

This report focuses on the potential for bioenergy in Southeast Asia through studying five countries in the region: Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam. 

IRENA’s Renewable Energy Innovation Outlook series analyses the emerging developments making renewable energy technologies (RETs) increasingly competitive in the world’s energy markets and systems.

This collection aims to provide a reference for policy makers and practitioners working to scale up bioenergy in rural areas of sub-Saharan Africa. Energy, agriculture, forestry, environment, finance and business experts all seek for solutions to provide energy and also enhance food security, social welfare and environmental sustainability.

This brief focuses on technologies for the sustainable production of bio-methanol.

This working paper reviews approaches to sustainable intensification of pastureland that have had a neutral or positive effect on biodiversity of the affected areas and provides examples through case studies. 

This technology brief provides technical background information, analyses market potential and barriers, and offers insights for policy makers on biogas for domestic cooking.

This publication presents statistics for the decade 2010-2019 in trilingual tables, covering off-grid power capacity, biogas production and numbers of people using off-grid power and biogas for cooking and lighting.

This publication presents statistics for the decade 2009-2018 in trilingual tables, covering off-grid power capacity, biogas production and numbers of people using off-grid power and biogas for cooking and lighting.

This technology brief examines the potential of bioethylene for the production of clean bio-ethanol and reduced impact of the chemical industry on the environment.

Active forest management has helped to boost bioenergy resources. Swedish experience offers valuable lessons for emerging markets.

This report outlines key off-grid power and biogas data over the decade 2008-2017 in trilingual tables. The sector continues growing rapidly worldwide.

Switching to biogas as vehicle fuel can reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the transport sector between 60% and 80% compared to fossil-based fuels like gasoline and diesel.

Methanol is essential for the chemical industry. Largely produced from fossil fuels, it can be made from sustainable, renewable-based energy sources.

Substantial potential exists to expand both food and fuel supply in a sustainable fashion. This report examines sustainable paths for biofuel development.

This report examines the role of renewables in meeting growing energy needs in the agriculture sector in an inclusive and environmentally sustainable manner.

Advanced liquid biofuels are important for low-carbon transport development. A survey of industry executives highlights regulatory uncertainty as a key market barrier.