5 December 2011: Crop technology company QUINVITA, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Regional Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE), the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the International Industrial Biotechnology Network (IIBN) have signed an agreement to launch a major study on the potential of sustainable production of crops for bioenergy in the ECOWAS region.

The agreement was signed on the margins of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) West Africa Club Forum, held in Praia, Cape Verde from 5-6 December 2011 under the theme “West Africa and Brazil: Addressing Renewable Energy Challenges.” The signatories to the agreement noted that the project should highlight role of the private sector in guiding the sustainable application of industrial biotechnology as a catalyst for socio-economic development.

The project is expected to assess the potential for increased food production and utilization of non-food, feed residue and waste for bio-energy production from selected food crops. It will also identify feasible regions for approximately 5-8 novel bioenergy crops within the 15 ECOWAS member countries. The project will also assess “no-go” regions for these crops. Three pilot projects for spcific regions will be identified and a sustainability assessment of potential projects will also be conducted. [ECREEE Press Release] [OECD West Africa Club Forum Website]