Scientists attribute the global warming trend observed since the mid-20th century to the human expansion of the ‘greenhouse effect’; warming that results when the atmosphere traps heat radiating from Earth towards space. Certain gases in the atmosphere block heat from escaping; long-lasting gases that remain semi-permanently in the atmosphere and do not respond physically or chemically to changes in temperature are described as forcing climate change.

Sustainable bioenergy is playing a key role in helping Australia to increase energy security and meet ambitious emissions reduction targets. Bioenergy and bioproducts have the potential to be a significant growth sector for the Australian economy, in conjunction with growing the agricultural sector and regional communities.

As with any emerging sector, government support plays an important role in removing barriers and accelerating the development of new products; energy from urban and agricultural waste and forest residues is currently valued at an investment opportunity of between A$3.5 billion and A$5 billion.

Financial incentives in this space include Australian carbon carbon credit units, or ACCU is a unit issued to a person by the Clean Energy Regulator (CER). Each ACCU issued represents one tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent stored or avoided by a project. The CER issues ACCUs for greenhouse gas abatement activities undertaken as part of the Australian Government’s Emissions Reductions Fund. Renewable Energy Scheme participants who invest in and generate renewable energy may be eligible for financial incentives under the scheme.