Assessing bioenergy sustainability in Ethiopia and Kenya (GBEP)

The project, led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), aimed to support decision-makers in Ethiopia and Kenya in developing effective, integrated policies for the sustainable production and use of bioenergy. This was achieved by institutionalising the use of the Global Bioenergy Partnership (GBEP) bioenergy sustainability indicators, which cover environmental, economic and social dimensions.

In this context, Eneris provided technical assistance to government officials and experts in Ethiopia and Kenya to assess the sustainability of four selected bioenergy pathways:

• Biogas from organic waste (animal dung and human excrement) used by households and institutions (Ethiopia)
• Solid biomass (charcoal, firewood) used in improved cookstoves for cooking and heating (Ethiopia)
• Use of agriculture residues (direct use, briquettes, excluding charcoal) by industries – including cogeneration (Kenya)
• Sustainable charcoal production, from forestry and agriculture residues, and use by households, institutions and industries (Kenya)

Specifically, Eneris built the capacity of local experts for the long-term and periodic monitoring of these pathways, by adapting, applying and interpreting the 24 GBEP Sustainability Indicators.