This review provides an overview of the potential for
bioenergy and the challenges associated with its increased
deployment. It discusses opportunities and risks in relation
to resources, technologies, practices, markets and policy. The
aim is to provide insights into the opportunities and required
actions for the development of a sustainable bioenergy
industry.

Development experts agree that ensuring access to sustainable
modern energy services is critical to achieving the Millennium
Development Goals. Some 2.4 billion people still use traditional
biomass fuels for cooking, often facing the risk of indoor air
pollution, while about 1.6 billion people have no access to
electricity. This report explores how international oil and

The State Planning Board, Karnataka, and the Institute of Social and Economic Change, Bangalore had arranged a two day seminar on 11th Five Year Plan of Karnataka: Perspectives, in Bangalore on 4-5 May 2007. The author was invited to make a presentation on Power Sector Reforms in Karnataka to take into account the possible steps during the 11th Plan period.