09 November 2011 | General, FPS
Overcoming fossil fuel dependence and mitigating climate change
Leading scientists and young investigators open a debate on bioenergy drivers, options and impacts on future forest growing, management and production of traditional goods and services.
From 7 to 11 November 2011, COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology), ESF (European Science Foundation), IUFRO (The Global Network for Forest Science Cooperation) and the Austrian Federal Forest Research Institute ‘BFW’ are gathering experts from fields including forestry, bioenergy studies, social and environmental sciences at their ‘High-level Research Conference on the Future role of Bioenergy from Tree Biomass’ in Vienna, Austria.
Biomass is the fourth largest energy source in the world after coal, oil and natural gas. Currently, it covers about two thirds of all renewable energy sources. The Renewable Energy Directive (2009/28/EC) sets a binding target for the EU to achieve a 20% renewable energy share by 2020, in which the largest contribution is expected to come from biomass from agriculture, forestry, waste for heat and power generation as well as transport fuels.
In his opening address, Niki Berlakovich, Austrian Minister of Agriculture and Environment underlined Austria’s commitment to fully respond to its energy demand with clean domestic energy by the 2050.
Paul Ruebig, Member of the European Parliament, addressed Europe’s grand challenge of overcoming fossil fuel dependence and mitigating climate change. Both speakers testified to the support of the European Parliament and the Austrian government, and encouraged the European research community to continue its efforts and seek innovative solutions.
Prof Niels Elers Koch, Chair of this High-level Research Conference, President of IUFRO and Member of the COST Domain Committee for Forests, their Products and Services said: “With 2011 being the International Year of Forests, this conference is very timely. By bringing the best and brightest minds together in Vienna, we hope to advance international collaboration to best respond to what is happening in the energy sector as well as to make better use of biomass and related infrastructures worldwide”.
Prof Koch highlighted that IUFRO has made bioenergy, bio-based products and their life cycle analysis a strategic priority focus for the next four years and added “We are facing many global challenges and need to ensure both welfare and a healthy environment to a growing population. Forests, sustainably managed, may have a role to play for basic ecosystem services as well as renewable materials and energy.”
“COST had anticipated the importance of forestry, wood technology, pulp and paper within science and technology when it established its scientific Domain on Forests, their Products and Services as a platform for nationally-funded research activities,” said Dr Monica Dietl, Director of the COST Office.“This Domain is the ideal instrument to share knowledge and joint efforts in Europe and beyond. This allows maximising contributions by the science and technology sector. Strengthening cooperation between IUFRO and COST will further enhance the synergies of both organisations, make better use of resources and create new opportunities for the benefit of the European Research Area.”
The scientific programme of this High-Level Research Conference has opened discussions on how to achieve the 2020 goals, the role of forest biomass versus other renewable energy sources. The conference also focuses on the impact of increased competition for wood and fibre for alternative uses, including bioenergy and eco-efficient bioproducts. The debate has also underlined the contribution of biomass towards the security of energy supply and greenhouse gas mitigation, as well as towards future employment and wealth creation in the EU. The conference features lectures by invited high-level speakers, short talks by young and early stage researchers, poster sessions, open discussion periods and forward-looking panel discussions.
Press Conference, The Future Role of Bio-energy from Tree Biomass in Europe. Copyright: BMLFUW/Strasser
Dr Monica Dietl at the Press Conference, The Future Role of Bio-energy from Tree Biomass in Europe. Copyright: BMLFUW/Strasser
