A global overview of vegetable oils, with respect to biodiesel

19 June 2009 - The main objectives of recently finalized study [558 KB] are: i) to present a global overview of the main vegetable oils (palm, soybean, rapeseed, sunflower), ii) identify the main market trends; iii) identify the major players of the vegetable oil markets (exporters and importers), iv) assess the role of biodiesel in the vegetable oil markets; v) identify major policy developments and possible future trends. The study, written by Frank Rosillo-Calle, Arnaldo Walter and Luc Pelkmans, provides a comprehensive overview of these topics.

Joint Task 40 and EUBIONETIII workshop in Hamburg on July 2nd

11 June - Task 40 and EUBIONETIII are organizing a joint workshop during the 17th european biomass confenrece in Hamburg. During this workshop results will be presented from several international projects focussing on
European and global bioenergy trade. Special focus will be on the development of solid biomass trade (mainly wood pellets, also wood chips and agricultural residues). We invite stakeholders from the industry, policy and science arena, and we aim to highlight current developments and opportunities of solid biomass trade, as well as the main barriers hampering further growth. Entrance for conference participants is free, no registration required. See also the full programme [44 KB] for more details.

Task 40, UNCTAD & UNIDO survey on barriers and opportunities for international bioenergy trade - please participate!

24 April 2009 - The aim of this survey is to get an up-to-date overview of what market actors currently perceive as major opportunities and trade barriers for the current and future development international bioenergy trade for three internationally-traded bioenergy commodities: 1) bioethanol 2) biodiesel 3) wood pellets. We invite especially invite experts from the industry (but also policy makers, NGO's, academia etc.) to participate in our survey, available at task40.questionpro.com

It will take approximately 10 minutes to complete the questionnaire. his questionnaire is open since mid-February, and so far we have received many responses, but mainly from Europe. As we are determined to obtain a good global coverage, we have decided to increase our efforts to contact stakeholders. UNIDO will make a dedicated effort to invite industries on all continents to participate in this survey. Therefore, the the deadline for closure of the questionnaire has been extended until the 17th of July 2009.


New Task leaflet published

24- April 2009 - Task 40 has published an updated leaflet, [155 KB] in which the key activities and deliverables of the past and near future are summarized. Also, up-to-date contact details are provided for all of the 14 members of task T40.


World Biofuel Maritime Shipping Study published

14 April 2009 -Increasing long-distance transport of biomass and biofuels will put new demands on maritime shipping capacity. This study written by Task 40 [1,095 KB] examines two maritime shipping markets (dry bulk, and liquid bulk), and discusses properties of tradable biomass, current and prospective future biomass shipping lanes, shipping capacity and prices, and concludes with an outlook and shipping needs.


French publication on sustainable production criteria for solid biofuels

25 March 2009 - In the true spirit of international knowledge dissemination, Didier Marchal (Belgian co-NTL of Task 40) and co-authors have recently published a paper in French on sustainable production criteria for solid biofuels: Critères et indicateurs de production « durable » des biocombustibles solides : état des lieux et recommandations [130 KB] .


Bio-trade & Bioenergy Success Stories

13 March 2009 - Looking for some positive bioenergy news in these times of economic crisis? Task 40 members have compiled an overview of bio-trade and bioenergy success stories, covering ethanol and biodiesel in the US, wood pellets in Canada and Austria, and pyrolysis oil in Canada, including an analysis of important preconditions and drivers, barriers overcome, and possible future developments. The study is available here [815 KB] for free download.


Workshop 29-30 January 2009 in Brussels on sustainability certification for biofuels and bioenergy - all presentations available online!

2 February 2009 - As first event in 2009, IEA Bioenergy Task 40 (Supported by VEA, the Flemish Energy Agency) organised a workshop on sustainability certification for biofuels and bioenergy. The event tooke place in Brussels on Thursday 29 January 2009, and was followed on Friday the 30th by a field trip to a large power plant using wood pellets. For more information and all presentations, follow this link.

A reliable supply of biomass and a reliable demand for bio energy is vital to develop stable market activities, aimed at bio-energy trade. Task 40, a task under the IEA Bio-energy Agreement (see http://www.ieabioenergy.com/), will contribute to the development of sustainable biomass markets on short and on long term and on different scale levels (from regional to global). The future vision of this task on global biomass trade is that it develops over time into a real “commodity market” which will secure supply and demand in a sustainable way; sustainability brings a key factor for long-term security.

These webpages provide information about the activities of task 40 and her members. For an overview see our work programme and the Task 40 information leaflet. [1,474 KB] The Task is lead by Andre Faaij (Copernicus Institute / Utrecht University) and Peter-Paul Schouwenberg (Nidera), assisted by Martin Junginger (Utrecht University).

If you have any comments, suggestions or questions regarding this website please contact Martin Junginger (H.M.Junginger "at" uu.nl)