Sustainable bioenergy is emerging as one of the most promising solutions to address the dual challenge of the global climate crisis and socioeconomic development. According to the latest report by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), bioenergy currently accounts for approximately 10% of global energy consumption, with projections that this share could grow to 20% by 2050, provided that adequate policies and innovative technologies are implemented. This increase is crucial for the world to keep global warming below 1.5°C, as stipulated by the Paris Agreement.
IRENA’s 2023 report reveals that the global use of bioenergy contributes to reducing more than 1.3 gigatonnes of CO2 per year, representing approximately 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions related to the energy sector. To achieve decarbonization targets, the bioenergy sector needs significant expansion, particularly in sectors where direct electrification is not viable, such as aviation and maritime transport.
It is estimated that by 2030, the use of bioenergy in aviation could reduce CO2 emissions by up to 15% as advanced biofuels become more accessible and integrated into aircraft fleets. In maritime transport, one of the hardest sectors to decarbonize, bioenergy could contribute to a reduction of up to 20% in emissions by the end of the next decade.
Beyond the climate benefits, sustainable bioenergy plays a fundamental role in the economic development of rural communities, especially in developing countries. IRENA estimates that in emerging markets in Asia, Latin America, and Sub-Saharan Africa, bioenergy could create up to 15 million direct and indirect jobs by 2030. These jobs are distributed along the entire value chain, from agricultural production to energy generation and biofuel distribution.
In Sub-Saharan African countries, for example, the introduction of bioenergy technologies could increase agricultural productivity by up to 30% while improving energy security and reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels. This multiplier effect is particularly relevant in regions where agriculture is the main economic activity, providing a stable and sustainable source of income for millions of smallholder farmers.
Although bioenergy has great potential, the sustainability of its production is a challenge that cannot be ignored. IRENA warns that if not managed properly, biomass production for energy could compete with food production and lead to the degradation of natural ecosystems. To mitigate these risks, the agency recommends the use of agricultural and forestry residues, which represent a significant and underutilized source of biomass. Studies indicate that globally, efficient use of residues could meet up to 15% of the world’s energy demand by 2030, without the need for significant expansion of cultivation areas.
Furthermore, second-generation technologies that use residues and non-food crops are gaining traction and could reduce CO2 emissions by up to 90% compared to traditional fossil fuels. Implementing these technologies is vital to ensure that bioenergy continues to be a sustainable solution in the long term.
IRENA’s projections are clear: sustainable bioenergy is indispensable for achieving global climate goals. With robust policies and investments in innovation, bioenergy could become the leading renewable energy source in sectors such as aviation and maritime transport, while also driving socioeconomic development in rural areas.
The 2023 report highlights that, to achieve the ideal scenario, annual investments in bioenergy, which currently total around $40 billion, must be tripled to more than $120 billion by 2030. This increase in investment is crucial to accelerate the adoption of advanced technologies and expand the infrastructure needed for the production and distribution of biofuels on a global scale.
Sustainable bioenergy is not just a tool to combat climate change but also a driver of socioeconomic development in rural areas worldwide. IRENA’s 2023 report makes it clear that with adequate policy support and investment, bioenergy can play a crucial role in the transition to a low-carbon future while promoting economic growth and job creation in the regions that need it most.
