Analysis of socio-economic indicators on different bioenergy case studies

Abstract

Socio-economic indicators are not fully developed and operational while this is an important aspect of sustainability. Seven case studies were analyzed within the Global-Bio-Pact project covering seven countries and five feedstock types. The 100 indicators that are identified are analyzed and evaluated to derive valuable lessons and recommendations. From this analysis it becomes clear that it is essential to look at impacts on different levels: national, regional, and local. This is because, e.g., impacts on a local level are not always reflected in macroeconomic indicators and vice versa. Background indicators, e.g., GDP in a region or the level of unemployment, do not necessarily link directly to bioenergy impacts but can provide a snapshot of the setting in which bioenergy projects operate. This can identify potential important areas of concern (with negative or positive impacts) beforehand. There is a trade-off between accuracy of the data and practicability. This can vary per country and per feedstock depending on data availability. More (accurate) data collection is required on all levels (national, regional, and local). Furthermore, more methodologies, based on quantitative data, have to be developed to gain better insight in socio-economic impacts on the long term.