COMPETE Events

 


 

International Conference ‘Bioenergy for Sustainable Development in Africa’ –
Lessons Learnt from COMPETE

 

This international conference is organised by WIP Renewable Energies, Germany, in cooperation with Imperial College London in the framework of the project COMPETE.

 

Date and Time: 24-25 November 2009
Location: Brussels, Belgium
Programme:

The main objective of this conference is to identify cooperation opportunities between stakeholders and policymakers from European and African countries to contribute to the exploitation of bioenergy resources for sustainable development in African countries.

Recent bioenergy initiatives, programmes and projects in African countries will be presented and discussed with respect to their social, economic and environmental sustainability.

Furthermore, partners from the COMPETE project will present lessons learnt on ensuring value creation and sustainability of bioenergy development in Africa in order to:

• Exploit the benefits of innovative bioenergy solutions with respect to sustainable rural development and improved livelihoods, increased energy access and income generation, alternative markets for agricultural products, security of energy supply, and diversification of energy sources

• Avoid the dangers of negative social and environmental implications, with regards to land competition, land ownership, insufficient value creation for local farmers, and the ‘fuel versus food' debate.

Agenda

Presentations COMPETE conference 24th November

Presentations COMPETE conference 25th November

New (2009): Conference Summary and Policy Recommendations


 

International Conference ‘Sustainable Bioenergy Projects in Africa - Barriers and opportunities for financing ’

 

This international conference is organised by ENDA-TM, Senegal, E+Co, The Netherlands, and WIP Renewable Energies, Germany, in the framework of the project COMPETE.

 

This conference is organised in close cooperation with the AREED programme of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

 

Date and Time: 29 September to 1 October 2009
Location: Dakar, Senegal
Programme:

The conference aims to identify ways to overcome potential barriers and risks to financing of bioenergy projects in Africa, as well as highlight avenues for financing including bilateral and multilateral financing, carbon finance, trade, and policy avenues. Emphasis will be placed on projects and initiatives that ensure social, economic and environmental sustainability and contributing to sustainable rural development.

The conference will bring together speakers and representatives from the investor, financing and donor community, project developers, enterpreneurs, NGOs, international organisations as well as national and international energy experts to share experiences and examples of initiatives and projects that illustrate best practices.

NEW: Conference report (click here)

Presentations available (click here)!

Agenda English (click here)!

Agenda French (click here)!

 

 


 

Workshop COMPETE and RE Impact ‘Bioenergy for Rural Development in Africa and Asia’

 

This workshop on “Bioenergy for Rural Development in Africa and Asia” is jointly organised by the EU co-funded projects “Competence Platform on Energy Crop and Agroforestry Systems for Arid and Semi-arid Ecosystems- Africa (COMPETE)” and "Rural Energy Production from Bioenergy Projects: Providing regulatory and impact assessment frameworks, furthering sustainable biomass production policies and reducing associated risks (RE-Impact)”.

 

Date and Time: 30 June 2009
Location: Hamburg, Germany
Programme:

Bioenergy is a sector that offers significant opportunities for rural development in Africaand Asia. The use of biomass for energy generation can contribute to the provision of affordable and accessible electricity services, and in schemes for the production ofiofuels for transport such as biodiesel. Rising fossil fuel prices, energy security, global warming and rural poverty are all key drivers behind the renewed interest in small and large scale biomass based electricity production schemes. These schemes span both ageold and modern energy conversion technologies, are the main energy source for about one-third of the world’s population, and will be critical to the achievement of sustainable development across the developing world.


The aim of this workshop is to present local experiences and results from both projects. Dedicated presentations on specific issues such as rural development and improved livelihoods, land use and land use conflict, biodiversity, and appropriate small and large scale bioenergy technologies for waste management, electricity and fuel production, will be done by African and Asian partners of COMPETE and RE-Impact.

 

NEW: Presentations of the Workshop COMPETE and RE Impact are available (click here)

 

Workshop Programme (click here)



 

International Conference ‘Bioenergy Policy Implementation in Africa’

 

This international conference is organised by the Centre for Energy, Environment and Engineering Zambia (CEEEZ) and WIP Renewable Energies, Germany, in cooperation with the Food Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Analysis Network (FANRPAN), South Africa, in the framework of the project COMPETE.

 

Date and Time: 26-28 May 2009
Location: Lusaka, Zambia
Programme:

The main objective of this conference is to contribute to sound and successful bioenergy policy implementation in Africa. For this, global experiences on bioenergy policy implementation will be reported and discussed with high-level decision-makers from Africa.
Furthermore, partners from the COMPETE project will present lessons learnt on ensuring value creation and sustainability of bioenergy development in Africa in order to:


• Exploit the benefits of innovative bioenergy solutions with respect to sustainable rural development and improved livelihoods, increased energy access and income generation, alternative markets for agricultural products, security of energy supply, and diversification of energy sources
• Avoid the dangers of negative social and environmental implications, with regards to land competition, land ownership, insufficient value creation for local farmers, and the ‘fuel versus food' debate.

 

NEW: Conference Summary (click here)

 

Presentations of the International Conference in Zambia (click here)

 

Agenda of the Conference (click here)

 

 


 

COMPETE Seminar Mexico

 

organised in the framework of the COMPETE WP4 on South-South Cooperation.

 

Date and Time: 1-7 March 2009
Location: Mexico City, Valle del Mezquital, Morelos, Mexico
Programme:

The COMPETE Seminar in Mexico will foster South-South cooperation between partners from Africa, Latin America and Asia highlighting best practices as well as their replication potential in Africa.


The objective of this seminar is to provide information on potential plant resources for biofuels production in Mexico and to link Mexican researchers on (non toxic) Jatropha varieties with international experts. Furthermore, information will be presented on the complex interactions between agriculture, land management, environmental management, and urban development along historical and present examples within the Mexican City Valley.


Agenda of the seminar (click here)

 

Presentations of the COMPETE Seminar Mexico (click here)

 

Summary Report (click here)

 

 


 

International Workshop ‘Bioenergy Policies for Sustainable Development in Africa’

 

This workshop is implemented in close cooperation with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and the Roundtable on Sustainable Biofuels (RSB), an initiative of the EPFL Energy Centre. The workshop programme will include a RSB Regional Consultation for West Africa on 26 November.

 

Date and Time: 25-27 November 2008
Location: Bamako, Mali
Programme:

The main objective of this workshop is to contribute to the development of sound and successful bioenergy policies in Africa. For this, it is necessary to share the findings of on-going policy initiatives in Africa and to discuss future developments with high-level decision-makers from Africa with the aim to promote the development of bioenergy policies in Africa.
Today, it is widely accepted that coherent bioenergy policies in Africa are urgently needed on national, regional and international level to:


• Exploit the benefits of innovative bioenergy solutions with respect to sustainable rural development and improved livelihoods, increased energy access and income generation, alternative markets for agricultural products, security of energy supply, and diversification of energy sources


• Avoid the dangers of negative social and environmental implications, with regards to land competition, land ownership, insufficient value creation for local farmers, and the ‘fuel versus food' debate.

In order to contribute to the workshop objectives the workshop programme will include a RSB Regional Consultation for West Africa on 26 November.

This international workshop is organised by Mali-Folkecenter and WIP Renewable Energies, Germany, in cooperation with the Food Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Analysis Network (FANRPAN), South Africa, in the framework of the project COMPETE, funded by the European Commission, DG Research.


Furthermore, this workshop is implemented in close cooperation with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and the Roundtable on Sustainable Biofuels (RSB), an initiative of the EPFL Energy Centre.

 

Presentations of the International Workshop in Mali (click here)

 

Agenda of the Workshop (click here)

 

Flyer of the workshop (click here)

 

Proceedings of the conference (click herre)

 


 

International Conference on Biofuel Sustainability Schemes - An African Perspective

 

organised in the framework of the COMPETE WP3 on Sustainability Analysis of Alternative Land Use.

 

Date and Time: 16-19 June 2008
Location: Arusha, Tanzania
Programme:

There are many arguments in favour of the use of biomass, e.g. security of energy supply, diversification of energy sources, low-carbon emission, an alternative market for agricultural products, and rehabilitation of degraded lands, among others. However, the current debate focuses on the possible negative social and environmental implications, especially with regards to land competition, questions about the reduction of emissions in practice and the fuel versus food' debate. Some of these implications are related to either the lack of policy or policies that do not encompass sustainable development. One of the main problems in tackling climate change has been the lack of appropriate policies. Global-level policies have often ignored the human and social needs which energy fulfils, particularly in developing countries. Although there is no single policy or measure which can provide a total solution, there is need for immediate action. If African countries are willing to engage in the bioenergy sector in part by replacing the traditional use of biomass with more modern forms whilst ensuring that they can fulfil their own energy needs, it will be necessary to meet sustainability assurance (environmental, social and economic) and incorporate it into local policy and governance.


The objectives of the conference are (1) to assess the energy production potentials in African countries and the market possibilities for small and large scale producers (2) to ensure that a strong African perspective is encouraged to emerge in the global arena of energy, climate change and bioenergy policy making (3) to engage the policy and decision makers of African countries in the sustainable bioenergy (4) to promote capacity building and South-South cooperation for a sustainable production of energy crops (5) to assist African countries in the development of strong regional and national policies on the sustainable development of bioenergy resources for indigenous and export markets (6) to highlight ways of developing food AND fuel and avoiding the food versus fuel conflict and (7) to review progress of COMPETE Work Package 3 on Sustainability Analysis of Alternative Land Use and to help ensure that it provides the practical tools so urgently required by African policy makers, industry and investors.

 

Announcement of the Conference (click here)

 

Agenda of the Conference (click here)

 

Presentations of the International Conference in Tanzania (click here)

 

COMPETE Declaration on Sustainable Bioenergy for Africa

 

Proceedings of the Conference

 

 


 

COMPETE Workshop on Financing and Trade

 

organised in the framework of the COMPETE WP5 on Financing of Alternative Land Use and International Trader on the occasion of the UNIDO International Renewable Energy Conference in Africa on 16-18 April in Dakar, Senegal.

 

Date and Time: 15 April 2008
Location: Dakar, Senegal
Programme:

Agenda COMPETE Meeting on Finance and Trade

 

Minutes of the COMPETE Meeting and Workshop on Finance and Trade


 

COMPETE Seminar and Field Trip - India

 

organised in the framework of the COMPETE WP4 on South-South Cooperation

 

Date and Time: 7-8 February 2008
Location: Bombay, Kawardha (Chattisgarh), New Delhi; India
Programme:

The COMPETE Seminar and Field Trip in India will foster South-South cooperation between partners from Africa, Latin America and Asia highlighting best practices as well as their replication potential in Africa. This Seminar will include field visits to expose African COMPETE partners to successful interventions in the fields of energy crop and agro-forestry systems in India.

 

Agenda COMPETE Seminar and Field Trip - India (click here)

 

Announcement 5th Int. Biofuels Conference 7–8 Feb. 2008 (click here)

 

Agenda 5th International Biofuels Conference 7–8 Feb. 2008 (click here)

 

Praj Industries Ltd: Corporate Presentation (click here)

 

Praj Industries Ltd: Sweet Sorghum Ethanol Technology (click here)

 

Remote Village Electrification through the Biofuels Route


Presentations of the COMPETE Seminar in India (click here)

 

Summary of the COMPETE Seminar in India (click here)

 

 


 

2nd COMPETE Workshop

 

on the occasion of the International Conference "Stakes and Perspectives of Biofuels for Africa"

 

Date and Time: 26 - 29 November 2007
Location: Ougadougu, Burkina Faso
Programme:

The principal objective of the conference is to provide to governments and decision makers an objective evaluation of the potential of biofuels in Africa. Based on technical, agronomical, economical and social factors, the conference will emphasize the advantages and disadvantages, in terms of the environmental and socio-economical impacts and opportunities.

In the framework of the international Conference "Stakes and Perspectives of Biofuels in Africa" COMPETE partners will contribute to several plenary sessions and the COMPETE project will be responsible for the organisation of two Round Tables:

- Round Table 1: Biofuels for transport versus biofuels for power generation

- Round Table 4: Competition between non-food and food uses. What is at stake? What are the risks ?

Conference Website (click here)

 

Conference Programme (click here)

 

Conference Programme (french version) (click here)

 

Programme Round Tables organised by the COMPETE project (click here)

 

Programme des Tables rondes (french version) (click here)

 

Synthesis and Conclusions of the Conference (english) (french)

 

Minutes of the COMPETE project Meeting (click here)

 

Proceedings of the COMPETE Roundtables (click here)

 


 

COMPETE Meeting Brazil

 

 

Date and Time: 22 October 2007
Location: São Paulo, Brazil
Programme:

This COMPETE meeting occurs on the opening day of a weeklong study visit (seminar) to Brazil for COMPETE partners and associates. Since the focus during the week is field experience, the presentations are designed to mainly highlight some key relevant issues rather than attempting to present detailed analysis or have in-depth discussions. Another purpose of the day is to provide a preview of some of the activities that will occur during the week so as to place them within the overall context of the COMPETE work programme. The draft agenda below therefore covers some info about COMPETE work packages along with more general presentations from COMPETE associates and some information about the study visits.

Meeting Agenda (click here)

 


 

COMPETE Seminar Brazil "South-South Cooperation"

 

 

Date and Time: 23 - 26 October 2007
Location: São Paulo – Riberão Preto, Brazil
Programme:

The COMPETE Seminar in Brazil fostered South-South cooperation between partners from Africa, Latin America and Asia highlighting best practices as well as their replication potential in Africa.
This Seminar included field visits to expose African COMPETE partners to successful interventions in the fields of energy crop and agro-forestry systems in Brazil.

Seminar Programme (click here)

 

Minutes of the COMPETE Seminar and Field Trip to Brazil (click here)

 


 

COMPETE Workshop "Land Use and Bioenergy"

 

 

Date and Time: 22 June 2007
Location: Mauritius, Mauritius Sugar Industry Research Institute (M.S.I.R.I.)
Programme:

This workshop took place on the occasion of the ICSU 'International Field Workshop on Renewable Energy for Sustainable Development in Africa' (18-21 June 2007)

The main objective of this workshop was to evaluate opportunities of improved land use (energy crops, improved agroforestry systems) for the sustainable production of modern bioenergy services in the African context. Special emphasis has been given to mechanisms ensuring the economic, social and environmental sustainability of future bioenergy production and use, as well as the development of innovative financing tools and practical, targeted and efficient policies. This workshop was organised in the framework of the Competence Platform on Energy Crop and Agroforestry Systems for Arid and Semi-arid Ecosystems – Africa (COMPETE).

Workshop Programme (click here)

 

Presentations of the COMPETE Workshop on Land Use and Bioenergy in Mauritius (click here)

 

Proceedings of the COMPETE Workshop on Land Use and Bioenergy in Mauritius (click here)

 

Summary Paper of the Workshop on Land Use and Bioenergy in Mauritius (click here)

 

 

 


 

First COMPETE Meeting

 

 

Date and Time: 21 June 2007
Location: Mauritius, Mont Choisy Hotel
Programme:

This first COMPETE project meeting set the stage for a successful implementation of the Competence Platform on Energy Crop and Agroforestry Systems for Arid and Semi-arid Ecosystems – Africa. This meeting includeed several keynote presentations on the opportunities of improved land use (energy crops, improved agroforestry systems) for the sustainable production of modern bioenergy services in the African context. Additionally, detailed working plans for the different work packages of the project were elaborated with a special focus on the timing of the workshops/meetings organised in the framework of the COMPETE project.

 

Agenda of the first COMPETE Meeting in Mauritius (click here)

 

Presentations of the first COMPETE Meeting in Mauritius (click here)

 

Minutes of the first COMPETE Meeting in Mauritius (click here)

 

Proceedings of the first COMPETE Meeting in Mauritius (click here)

 

 


 

COMPETE Kick-Off Meeting

 

 

Date and Time: 01/03/2007 - 02/03/2007
Location: Munich, Germany; WIP Renewable Energies
Programme:

The COMPETE kick-off-meeting was organised with all members of the Steering Committee in order to esablish exactly defined interfaces and finish the fine tuning concerning the role of COMPETE partners.

Agenda of the COMPETE Kick-Off-Meeting in Munich, Germany (click here)

 

Presentations of the COMPETE Kick-Off-Meeting in Munich, Germany (click here)

 

Minutes of the COMPETE Kick-Off Meeting (click here)