Bioenergy has provided millions of households with incomes, livelihood activities and employment. The essence of sustainability of bioenergy projects from a social aspect is how are they is perceived by society, and how different societies benefit from this activity. Avoiding Carbon emissions, environment protection, security of energy supply on a national level or other ‘big issues’ are for local communities an added bonus, but the primary driving force are much more likely employment or job creation, contribution to regional economy and income improvement. Consequently, such benefits will result in increased social cohesion and stability that stem from the introduction of an employment and income-generating source.

Bioenergy contribute to all important elements of country or region development: economic growth through business expansion (earnings) and employment; import substitution (direct and indirect economic effects on GDP and trade balance); security of energy supply and diversification. Other benefits include support of traditional industries, rural diversification, rural depopulation mitigation, community empowerment, etc.