Global voices, local impact: Supergen and Aston University join global experts in sustainable bioenergy dialogue

Supergen’s Mirjam Röder, together with Dan Abudu and Marion Engole from the Energy & Bioproducts Research Institute (EBRI) proudly represented Aston University at Global Bioenergy Partnership Week in Kampala, Uganda last week.

The week long event hosted by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development of the Government of Uganda and organised by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) brought together global representatives to discuss current trends, future opportunities and challenges of bioenergy development in Africa.

The Supergen initiative ‘Global Bioenergy Stories’ outreach activity featured as part of the discovery circuit on Youth Day for young people aged 17 – 30, delivered by the EBRI team.

Sustainability expert Mirjam Röder chaired the opening plenary on Day 1 and moderated the session on tailored solutions for rural and urban areas, with emphasis on data, modelling, and inclusive policy design.

Mirjam Röder said:

“We have the ideas, visions, means, and solutions. We must ensure the energy transition truly reaches the people who need it most.”

Dan Abudu, researcher at EBRI, shared his latest research on forest biomass supply and demand in Uganda. The research disaggregates Uganda’s forest biomass to provide detailed, localised data and insights, and was well received by the delegation. Dan shared a real-time dashboard for monitoring biomass, carbon stocks and energy demand at the parish level. Key stakeholders acknowledged its potential to significantly inform policy and local-level decision-making.

Aston University were one of the co-organisers of this international event which focused on ‘sustainable bioenergy for just and inclusive energy transition’ towards:

Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Implementing the Paris Agreement
Advancing climate goals, food security, better land use, and sustainable energy for all

Outcomes of the event will provide key messages to inform the priorities of global forums such as the G20 and COP, as well as regional economic communities in Africa.