The Conference of Parties (CoP30) is scheduled for November in Brazil, the second-largest producer of renewable biofuels globally.
According to International Energy Agency bioenergy—including liquid, gaseous and solid fuels—accounts for the majority of renewable fuel growth to 2030.
Granted, efforts to combat climate change may seemingly appear staggered following the US notice of withdrawal from the Paris Agreement.
To date, precipitate actions other partners have taken funding key energy transition projects in Africa, such as coal in South Africa, indicate the dampening momentum and reduced climate finance flows into the continent.
Africa must seek innovative and sustainable means of addressing the energy access and security challenges. The choice host for CoP, therefore, invites a reflection on the state of the bioenergy sector in Africa.
It’s worth noting that despite severe health, environmental and climate extremities, traditional biomass in the form of firewood and charcoal has played a key role in Africa’s socio-economic spectrum.
Sustainable energy transition must, however, focus on a nascent modern bioenergy, integrating and scaling it up in the energy mix.
For instance, one of the key pillars in a just and inclusive energy transition is clean cooking, which employs strategies of renewable and non-renewable energy solutions.
However, less focus, from a policy, regulatory and investment perspective, has been given to renewable energy-based clean cooking solutions. Most countries have prioritised and bolstered their policy frameworks around fossil-based sources such as natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for clean cooking.
Kenya’s National Cooking Transition Strategy envisages that by 2028, the clean cooking energy mix will comprise 50 percent LPG stoves,30 percent bioethanol, 10 percent electricity, three percent biogas and seven percent biomass technology, showing the immense potential growth for bioenergy.
However, biofuels raise ethical concerns in diverting agricultural land to grow energy crops. These would also strain water resources, leading to food shortages and high prices.
Some of the solutions include collaborative efforts between farmers, scientists and policymakers, the use of non-food feedstock such as waste products to produce biofuels, and the employment of sustainable land management practices to minimise environmental impacts caused by energy crops.
Valuable lessons can be drawn from Brazil’s experience.
The writer is energy lawyer and Director, Energy and ClimatePolicy Firm
