Myths and Facts about Bioenergy in Africa

by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In the Netherlands, PANGEA (Partners for Euro African Green Energy) is launching today a booklet outlining Myths and Facts about Bioenergy in Africa. The brochure is intended to demystify the manipulated data and misinformation that is often used to describe bioenergy in sub-Saharan Africa.

The publication presents real facts about bioenergy in sub-Saharan Africa while demystifying the wrong assumptions that are often claimed against this sector. PANGEA maintains an objective approach and wants to make sure the real benefits of bioenergy in Africa are highlighted as well as the real causes of failed projects.

In the Myths and Facts, numbers show that actual biofuels production in Africa is so small that it is unfair to blame the whole sector for food insecurity and land grabbing. Data in the brochure, for example, demonstrates that only 0,05% of global biofuels are produced on the continent while just 2% of European imports of denatured ethanol from 2009 to 2011 came from sub-Saharan Africa.

“The facts laid out in this new brochure are aimed at showing the truth about bioenergy in Africa, rather than the lies and manipulated data promoted by anti-biofuels groups in an attempt to destroy biofuels in Europe, Africa and around the world,” said PANGEA’s Secretary General Meghan Sapp at the launch of the brochure.

“Constantly bashing bioenergy, rather than making sure it is produced sustainably just introduces doubt and fear into would-be investors and project developers,” said Sapp. “It is absolutely irresponsible of organizations who claim to promote economic development yet try to smear one of the few real opportunities to achieve the kind of results needed by these communities.” READ MORE and MORE (PANGEA) Download pamphlet