Paper details

Title:

The Sustainability of Bioenergy in a Scenario with Alternative Biomass Resource Applications

Author(s):

Spijker, E., Szendrei, K, Schröder, T.

Document(s):

Abstract:

In this paper the preli iminary results and analysis of a number of bioenergy pathw way LCA assessments are presented (biodiesel and wood ppellets). The results provide valuable insights in both tradee­offs and co­benefits when substituting fossil energy wiith bioenergy. This is considered relevant for informed decision making and informing the general public about p pro’s and con’s of certain energy options. This paper also aaims to send the signal that it is time that both renewable an nd fossil energies should take their associated environmentall, economic and social impacts into account. Using LCA in n this way could advance the public debate on sustainable e energy beyond a ‘dirty versus clean’ discussion. A compar rative analysis of two wood pellet pathways is provided whhich triggers strategic thinking about a number of ‘con ntextual factors’ that can foster or prevent countries/reg gions to improve the sustainability performance of theirr energy systems. The limitations of the LCA assessm ments also reveal the importance of the geographical (re)d distribution of sustainability impacts as well as the relative iimportance of indirect impacts for local stakeholders and communities. The comparative analysis results are used tto illustrate that a too strong policy focus on one specific i impact, could potentially result in suboptimal use of biomass s resources.

Keywords:

biodiesel, bioenergy, life cycle assessment (LCA), sustainability criteria, wood pellet

Topic:

Biomass Policies, Markets and Sustainability

Subtopic:

Sustainability assessment and criteria

Event:

22nd European Biomass Conference and Exhibition

Session:

4BO.15.1

Pages:

1373 - 1385

ISBN:

978-88-89407-52-3

Paper DOI:

10.5071/22ndEUBCE2014-4BO.15.1

Price:

FREE