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Paper short abstract:

The paper evaluates the local outcomes of global bioenergy projects on the basis of an in depth case study of Punjab, India. The research is based on participatory field based research and analyses these developments by incorporating the voices of the multiple stakeholders involved.

Paper long abstract:

Many developing nations are plagued with a multipronged crisis in the energy sector: widespread energy poverty, excessive dependence on oil imports and high ecological damage due to extensive use of fossil fuels. These concerns have led to a shift towards alternative energy sources across many emerging economies. Of all the other renewables, bioenergy was touted as the "fuel of the future" at the beginning of the 21st century. However, in recent years many adverse impacts of commercial bioenergy production have come to the forefront. These include land use change, competition with food crops leading to heightened food insecurity across many countries and exploitation of locals by bioenergy producers. There is a dearth of empirical evidence on the role of bioenergy as a sustainable energy alternative in developing countries. This study fulfills this gap in literature by exploring the opportunities and limitations of bioenergy initiatives through an in-depth case study, based on participatory field research in Punjab, India. The region is being promoted for a leading role in the green energy sector in India. Our analysis unearths the value chains, actors, drivers and discourses surrounding these developments as well as the inter-relationships between bioenergy and household energy aspirations. The key results from this research reveal that in order to be a sustainable energy alternative, bioenergy policies need to be more people-centric, address the needs of local communities, and be cognizant of the inherent socio-economic embeddedness of these initiatives.