During 2025, the World Bioenergy Association (WBA) kept advancing its mission through a coordinated set of activities, including publications, events, projects, and global advocacy efforts, with a strong focus on data-based communication, international outreach, and implementation projects.
Key publications released during the year included a white paper on Brazil, showing the country’s role in the global bioenergy development, and the Global Bioenergy Statistics Report, providing updated and accessible data for industry representatives, policymakers, and other stakeholders. The Association also published the results of the pilot project in Rwanda, documenting the retrofitting of new equipment for a school kitchen to convert from traditional firewood use to a pellet burner system and assessing technical and socioeconomic outcomes. Additionally, in the lead-up to COP30, the WBA prepared a position paper calling for stronger ambition and concrete action on bioenergy within the climate negotiations.
Knowledge sharing and stakeholder engagement were supported through an active events programme throughout the year. The WBA organized seven webinars during 2025, attracting more than 2,500 registrations from over 100 countries. These included two series, one carried out in collaboration with other organizations on topics like certification, SAF, and small-scale projects, and the other focused on Brazil’s bioenergy case in the context of COP30. Also, the Secretariat organized the General Assembly, which was held in Kampala, Uganda, alongside the 12th GBEP Bioenergy Week, where WBA took part actively in the programme. This engagement strengthened our presence in Uganda and contributed to deeper collaboration across the African region. Additionally, the Secretariat hosted its second Bioenergy Associations Roundtable, gathering organizations from eight different countries to discuss topics like policy engagement and communication strategies, and the financial sustainability of associations. Lastly, WBA also participated in COP30, where a member-led delegation represented the WBA during the official activities and supported the launch of the Bioenergy Horizons Documentary Series during those days.
Project work in 2025 emphasized people-centred perspectives and real-world applications of bioenergy. The first season of the Bioenergy Horizons documentary series featured five organizations, highlighting how bioenergy technologies contribute to positive social, economic, and environmental outcomes across various contexts. In parallel, our clean cooking initiative continued with activities in Rwanda and Uganda – including pilot projects and market studies. The successful outcomes of these projects have opened opportunities for replication and scaling up of pellet-based cookstoves in various African countries.
Global advocacy efforts strengthened WBA’s engagement with international processes and regional dialogues. The WBA was invited to contribute to the initial discussions of the UN ESCAP ASEAN Biofuels Workshop, aimed at supporting investment in biofuels and carbon capture and storage in the ASEAN region. In addition, WBA partnered in a side event on bioenergy development in the Global South during IRENA Innovation Week in Bonn, reinforcing its role as a neutral platform for policy dialogue and knowledge exchange.
We extend our sincere thanks to our members, both long-standing and those who joined us in 2025. Your support drives our mission forward and enables us to continue using our voice and keep working to unify the global bioenergy community.