On 7th May 2025, the World Bioenergy Association (WBA) convened the second meeting of the National Bioenergy Associations Roundtable, bringing together representatives from national and regional associations around the world. Christian Rakos, President of WBA, was the facilitator for this session. The meeting focused on two key topics: policy engagement and communication strategies, and the financial sustainability of associations.
Policy Engagement and Communication:
Participants shared the progress and challenges of advocating for bioenergy in their countries. From Kenya’s newly launched Bioenergy Strategy and the efforts to ensure real implementation across Kenya’s 47 counties to Catalonia’s efforts on a regional biogas plan, associations are working to strengthen policy frameworks, often with limited resources. At the EU level, Swedish, Greek, and Austrian representatives highlighted how their efforts are directed at aligning national frameworks with the implementation of EU directives, including RED III and the Carbon Removal Certification Framework. In North America, participants from Canada also emphasized their outreach activities with local governments as part of consultation processes, or developing the domestic market despite political barriers.
Across regions, a common thread was the need to push for recognition of bioenergy’s full contribution beyond electricity, especially in heating, new technologies like SAF and BECCS, and local economic development.
Communications strategies varied widely—from large-scale outreach tools like Austria’s Econews, Bioenergy International Magazine (formerly part of Svebio), webinars, project dissemination, reports, to more targeted efforts like engaging in public consultations. Additionally, several participants underscored the importance of framing—whether in media, policy, or public engagement—and noted how language, culture, or even religion can shape how bioenergy is perceived and supported. One of the challenges mentioned for communication to be effective is the existing gap in public awareness and understanding on topics around bioenergy’s role in renewable heat, waste valorization, and rural development.
Funding and Sustainability:
Financial sustainability remains a key concern. While most associations rely on membership fees, with some accessing project funding, and in some cases, public-private support, many shared the struggle of securing stable resources. Fundraising challenges—especially for smaller or newer associations—limit their capacity to expand policy and communication efforts. Several raised the need for more shared tools, like webinars or joint advocacy materials, that could reduce duplication and help smaller associations maximize visibility, reach, and impact.
The roundtable closed with a shared recognition of the value of this space: a rare opportunity to connect across borders, compare strategies, and identify practical avenues for collaboration. Participants welcomed WBA’s role in facilitating collaboration and amplifying bioenergy's voice globally, especially amid growing scrutiny and misinformation impacting the sector.
Participants included representatives from:
Austrian Biomass Association (Austria), BIO-NET Kenya (Kenya), Canadian Biogas Association (Canada), Catalonia Bioenergy Cluster (Spain), European Biomass Industry Association (Belgium), Hellenic Biomass Association (Greece), Kenya Bioenergy Round Table (Kenya), Quebec Wood Export Bureau (Canada), Swedish Bioenergy Association (Sweden), United Briquettes Producers Association of Kenya (Kenya), World Bioenergy Association (Sweden)