The African Development Bank (AfDB) held a one day seminar in Tunis promoting biomass and bioenergy development in Africa. The Bank also sought the opportunity to debut its new energy strategy.
AfDB Energy, Environment, and Climate Change Department (ONEC) Director, Hela Cheikhrouhou, underscored the importance of the meeting in crafting the Bank’s energy strategy and five-year work plan, noting that bio-energy was a new and controversial idea in Africa. "I encourage all participants to explore realistically the question at hand which is how can the AfDB support socially and environmentally-sound investments in biofuels?"
The AfDB is exploring ways to introduce sustainable practices including bioenergy financing, ie how the AfDB can mainstream bioenergy into its operations and create financial instruments to assist African countries. The Bank said the main points for any project to be considered for financing is if it’s bankable. The AfDB will not take part in small scale biomass projects because of the high transaction costs. The project needs to ensure food security and contribute to the overall agricultural industry. Other concerns are technique selection (residue-based thermal power generation, liquid biofuels, etc.), land rights, and environmental safeguards.
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