Bioenergy Crops are plant species grown specifically for the production of renewable energy. These crops, such as switchgrass, jatropha, miscanthus, and certain fast-growing trees like eucalyptus, are converted into biofuels (biodiesel, ethanol), biogas, or directly used for biomass combustion to generate electricity and heat.
They can be cultivated on marginal or degraded lands not suitable for food crops, contributing to land restoration and offering income opportunities for smallholder farmers. In integrated systems, they may also be intercropped or rotated with food crops to improve soil health and ecosystem services.
Bioenergy crops are an essential component of sustainable energy transitions, supporting rural development, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and enhancing energy access in low-income regions.