Trees as a Global Source of Energy(An introduction)

Philip Dobie

Francis Hannaway WWF

In Africa 80% of energy is derived from

fuelwood and charcoal

Current electricity generation from biogas-fired power stations in the European Union (GWh)

Jatropha curcas

Pongamia pinnata

Nypa fructans

Source: wikipedia commons

Trees in integrated food and energy systems

• Trees integrate well with crops

• Trees can be multifuncional

• Trees enhance food production

Paul Stapleton, ICRAF

The challenge

Knowledge• How much wood is needed/can be produced?• Models for short rotation production• Models for renewable production and use• Better cooking technology• Potential of gasification for power• Potential of biofuels• Effects on climate change (+/-)

Thank you