Upon a successful completion of this course, the students have obtained knowledge and skills for analyzing the development of the driving forces and barriers of the expanding bioenergy markets at local, national and international level as well as for understanding the bioenergy-related policies and governance processes. The student must be able to handle basic tools of market analysis and trade, and have an understanding of the limitations and effects of the policy frameworks on the introduction and development of bioenergy. The student must understand the demands and needs of the consumers and the role of the European Union and the member states in the decision making and in the promotion of bioenergy.

Essentials: Overview of the markets for biomasses for energy production and biomass based value chains globally and within the European Union (EU), including the supply, quantity, demand, and consumption as well as consumer market aspects. Fundamentals of the policies that have impacts on the supply and consumption of wood energy biomass. Complementary knowledge: Bioenergy governance at local and global level. International bioenergy business, role of bioenergy for the development of rural areas and entrepreneurship.

Lectures (24 hrs), exercises (14 hrs), assignments (62 hrs) and independent learning (62 hrs).

Materials distributed in the course.

0-5. Assignments (30 %) and final examination (70 %).

Senior Researcher in Forest Bioenergy and visiting lecturers

Spring 2019 (3rd period)

Joensuu

The language of instruction for the course is English.