About the Congress

Interest in Biomass has gained widespread momentum




Following the success of the 1st Biomass West & Central Africa Congress last year, the 2nd Congress is returning to Accra from 4 to 5 October 2012. More than 25 countries gathered in Accra last year. This is the only platform for top government representatives and industry market stakeholders from forestry, agriculture, biomass, pellets, bioenergy power generation producers, green energy and biotech investors to address key issues and exchange ideas on how to attract investments to the biomass & bioenergy sectors of West & Central Africa.

BIOMASS IN WEST & CENTRAL AFRICA REPRESENTS A MULTI-BILLION DOLLAR INDUSTRY

In Africa, energy is produced mainly from Biomass (47%), oil (24.8%), coal (16.5%), gas (10.4%) & other renewable sources such as hydro dams. Energy consumption in Africa is largely dominated by combustible renewable resources (biomass, animal wastes, municipal & industrial wastes). Energy from biomass accounts for more than 30% of the energy consumed in Africa and more than 80% in many sub-Sahara African countries. Biomass constitutes the main energy resource for the large majority of African households. Major policy initiatives are in place to promote the development of this sector.

West and central Africa represents 48% of the total forest area of Africa, with largest forest area in countries like Cameroon and Nigeria. Africa contributed 21% of the global total of carbon in forest biomass, with Central Africa as the largest contributor.

Encashing on the International Biomass Demand

European countries are gearing up to meet the compulsory renewable energy demands of 20% by 2020. The European Union renewable energy mandate and carbon trading policies are major drivers of this growth in Europe. Demand for imported biomass -- specifically, wood pellets -- will raise the global demand for biomass rapidly.

The international pellets trade has been growing continuously and new pellets production facilities have been springing up, offering their products to the growing European market. Pioneering projects are sprouting up in West Africa. Be the first to leverage on this growth opportunity.




KEY REASONS TO ATTEND BIOMASS WEST & CENTRAL AFRICA CONGRESS 2012

Gain an in-depth understanding of the West & Central African biomass & bioenergy market
Identify real investment opportunities in ECOWAS
Understand where the global biomass trade is heading and how this impacts your financial decisions
Get first hand information on critical pricing and policy issues shaping the biomass global sector
Get questions answered on shifts and support from policy makers, multi lateral and international organizations
Evaluate case studies of biofuel projects from across the region and beyond
Get updated on innovative technologies
Participate in a series of interactive panel discussions and help shape this fast moving market




Who will be attending the Congress?

•      Biomass/Pellets Producers, Traders & Importers •      Shipping & Brokers (Dry Bulk, Biomass/Pellets)
•      Biofuels Producers /Importers •      Government/Regulators
•      Utilities, Power, Distributed Power •      Pulp & Paper - Pelleting Equipment/Technologies
•      Agriculture/Forestry/Plantation Companies •      Biomass Pretreatment Technologies
•      Commodity Brokers & Analysts - Wood Processing Cos •      Enzymes/Catalysts Providers
•      Trade/Project Financing Institutions •      Specification & Benchmarking groups
•      Biomass/Bio-Power Associations •      Emission/CDM Traders
•      Environmental Engineers



Previous Attendees Profile