Bioenergy Australia 2000: Making a Business from Renewable Energy for Society and the Environment

Concern about global warming has led to a number of measures and developments in Australia to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, which primarily come from the use of fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas. The Commonwealth and some State Governments have or are about to mandate that a greater proportion of our energy comes from renewable energy sources. Legislation is set to come into force from January 2001 requiring an additional two percentage points (set at 9,500 GWh) of renewable electricity on our electricity systems. This is about twice the energy output of the Snowy Mountains hydroelectricity scheme. Energy from biomass has consistently been identified as being able to deliver over half this requirement. Other drivers for bioenergy are the link to Landcare and salinity control, reduction in landfill, waste management, rural and regional industry and job creation, renewable liquid fuel production, carbon sequestration and carbon credits, the provision of energy in a more flexible and responsive manner, and providing Green Power to the electricity market.

Bioenergy Australia (formerly named the Biomass Taskforce), a group of some 37 organisations from both government and the private sector, has been acting as a national forum for bioenergy development. It is now holding its inaugural conference to involve a wider range of stakeholders and interested parties in the development of this emerging industry. This conference will bring together biomass feedstock producers and suppliers, waste management organisations, project developers, energy companies, equipment suppliers, investors, government agencies, research and research funding bodies, and environmental and community groups to address the status, opportunities and challenges of biomass and bioenergy.

Day One of the program will provide a series of conference presentations. Day Two will primarily provide a series of interactive panel discussion on Biofuels and Technology availability, Environmental, Social and Institutional Issues, and Investment and the Market for Bioenergy. Day Three of the Program provides field visits to bioenergy facilities in the area. This conference aims to provide a most stimulating and valuable environment for further developing bioenergy as a sustainable energy source.

On behalf of Bioenergy Australia, I would like to invite your participation at Bioenergy 2000. Please do not miss this opportunity!

Dr Stephen Schuck
Bioenergy Australia Manager