With climate change presenting the greatest global challenge of our time, the search is on for alternatives to fossil fuels. Bioenergy from wood, waste, agricultural residues and energy crops is a major global energy renewable source. However, there are challenges concerning technical performance, cost effectiveness, sustainable production, food security and biodiversity. Our EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Bioenergy, which has developed from our successful DTC in Low Carbon Technologies, addresses these challenges.