Agricultural residue-based bioenergy: Regional potential and scale-up strategies

Biomass-derived energy is poised to play a pivotal role in the ongoing energy transition. According to IRENA’s 1.5°C Scenario outlined in the World Energy Transitions Outlook, bioenergy is projected to constitute 22% of the total primary energy supply by 2050 (IRENA, 2023). This ambitious goal will necessitate a substantial increase in primary biomass resources, requiring up to 135 exajoules (EJ) compared to 56 EJ in 2020. Agricultural residues will play a major role in achieving this target. 

This report initially estimates the potential of agricultural residues in three focus regions (Southeast Asia, sub-Saharan Africa and South America). Then it identifies barriers to and highlights best practices for the effective mobilisation of these resources. This is followed by case studies on specific subregional clusters of countries,