From opportunity to implementation: short summary of the recent Bioenergy Australia conference

There are significant bioenergy-related developments across a large spectrum of disciplines occurring within Australia. However, linking these generally small-scale breakthroughs with the required industry-scale production demands is an ongoing challenge for scientists and engineers. To meet the energy demands of society, whilst recognizing and addressing sustainability issues, is a challenge for all levels of government in Australia and beyond. Significant policies and programs are being enacted to assist industry in delivering on sustainable energy production, but the operating conditions for businesses remain challenging. Utilizing clear, considered, long-term policy directions remains a priority for bioenergy actors in developing technology and business models. To develop a bioenergy industry that is based on an understanding of environmental constraints and capable of delivering large-scale energy sources requires significant strategic thinking, continued robust data collection and discussion, communication and engagement. The recent Bioenergy Australia conference, 'From opportunity to implementation', addressed some of these challenges. Matching opportunities from local and international technological developments, in uncertain energy and financial markets, to meet developing policy objectives, is one of the key challenges facing delegates who attended the recent Bioenergy Australia conference on the Gold Coast (Queensland, Australia).