This report by SEI evaluates bioenergy CDM project impacts on sustainable development.
It finds that, although claimed sustainability benefits vary widely, many could not seen on the ground and no systems exist to ensure claimed benefits are delivered.
13 February 2011: A report by the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI), titled “Bioenergy Projects and Sustainable Development: Which Project Types Offer the Greatest Benefits?” examines the contribution to sustainable development of 76 Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) bioenergy projects, and finds that true benefits vary dramatically.
The report placed the 76 CDM bioenergy projects in India, Brasil, and Sub-Saharan Africa in 12 categories to facilitate comparison. The results show that, although claimed sustainability benefits vary widely, many could not be seen on the ground and no systems exist to ensure claimed benefits are delivered. The report finds that projects that rely on agricultural residues claim the largest benefits, while forest projects using industrial residues claimed the fewest. The report, and its accompanying policy brief, recommend closer examination of actual sustainability impacts of CDM projects through regular on-site evaluations based on a standardized approach, as well as to prioritize bioenergy provision to rural households instead of to industry and the national grid, where most bioenergy CDM projects currently deliver their power.
SEI is part of the Global Network on Energy for Sustainable Development, facilitated by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). [Publication: Bioenergy Projects and Sustainable Development: Which Project Types Offer the Greatest Benefits?] [Publication: Policy Brief Bioenergy Projects and Sustainable Development: Which Project Types Offer the Greatest Benefits?]