DEO-DAY 2006: Debate on Energy and Development

Summaries and presentations

Dr. André Faaij: Global Techno-Economic Potential For Bio-Energy (powerpoint 3 MB)
Dr. Ir. Rob Alkemade Consequences for biodiversity of large scale biomass production (powerpoint 3 MB)
Wolfgang Richert Sustainable biomass; background, principles and tools (powerpoint 3MB)

Ineke Vlot: Ketenduurzaamheid, biomassa en certificering (slides in dutch)
She will open her workshop with a general explanation on (environmental) certification, after which she will focus on the (im-)possibility of certification of biomass. The subject of product-chain sustainability and certification will be illustrated by a case study. Possible criteria for environmental certification of biodiesel will also be dealt with.

Geert Bergsma: Practice of biomass in Thailand
Mr. Bergsma will start the workshop with a short presentation on his experiences of biomass import from Thailand and the effects for the local Thai population. Also effects of import from other developing countries will be described.The presentation will be followed by a discussion on subjects like: the effect of biomass export on the local food, and energy supply in developing countries and the effect on the related development goals for these countries. Important question will be what our responsibility is for the consequences of biomassa export.

Erik Wissema: Criteria on Biomass Import (powerpoint 230 kB)
Proponents expect that biomass will have an important role in the future energy-transition. In the next few years large growth is foreseen in the use of biomass for energy production, as fuels and as feedstock for the chemical industry. The Netherlands will have to import most of this biomass, largely from developing countries. Wherever the biomass comes from, it is of great importance that it complies with standards for sustainability. A project-group for developing sustainability criteria has been set up by the energy-transition platform. These criteria regard, among other things, the CO2 balance and environmental and social issues. The authorities aim to start using these criteria in 2007 for electricity production and biofuels. The energy transition platform will also encourage other parties to apply these criteria. The sustainability criteria for 2007 are a first step. In the coming years greater sustainability of biomass production, transport and use will have to be achieved, as much as possible in a dialog with the producing countries.