Summary: The contribution of bioenergy to energy access and energy security

Abstract

Energy is a key factor for the general historic human development and today's society. With the exploitation of natural gas and crude oil in the mid-nineteenth century, human development experienced a techno-economic boom. The access to modern forms of energy, based mainly on fossil fuels, has led to technical, social, and economic growth and development on the globe. Still, today's modern society is mainly based on fossil fuels. In contrast, the main energy source of many developing countries depends on biomass, often used in a non-sustainable form, as wood is used from sensitive environments with no opportunity for regrowth. Depleting resources of fossil-based fuels and non-sustainable bioenergy requires new solutions and approaches in the production and use of energy in order to ensure energy access and security. This chapter provides a short overview on the contribution of bioenergy to energy access and security and relates the results to socioeconomic aspects addressed in the other chapters of this book.