Title:
Contribution of Bioenergy to the Decarbonization of the Energy System
Author(s):
Matschegg, D., Fuhrmann, M., Strasser, C., Dißauer, C.
Document(s):
Paper
Poster
Abstract:
The utilization of bioenergy can effectively replace fossil fuels, consequently resulting in a notable decline in greenhouse gas emissions. The aim of this study is to assess greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction potentials of selected bioenergy pathways along their whole life cycle in comparison to the current energy system bases on the Austrian case study. The extent to which carbon emissions can be reduced is subject to the use in the overall biomass chain. Consequently, the initial step is to assess the (future) availability of woody biomass in Austria to calculate the global warming potential (GWP) of selected bioenergy utilization pathways. The following four cases are explored: (1) electricity generation, (2) district heat, and (3) Combined Heat and Power (CHP) and (4) biomass gasification to produce synthetic natural gas (SNG) and Fischer Tropsch (FT)-diesel/kerosene. For each case, post-consumer wood, sawmill by-products, bark, forest wood chips and wood chips from short rotation coppice (SRC) are considered as feedstock. Results show that electricity generation without utilization of heat results in the highest Global Warming Potential (GWP). GWP of district heat and CHP are at much lower levels, demonstrating the ecological benefit of heat utilization in a CHP plant.
Keywords:
bioenergy, global warming potential, life cycle assessment (LCA)
Topic:
Sustainability, Impacts, Policies and Systems Analysis
Subtopic:
Climate impacts and GHG performance
Event:
33rd European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
2AV.5.3
Pages:
339 - 341
ISBN:
978-88-89407-25-7
Paper DOI:
10.5071/33rdEUBCE2025-2AV.5.3
Price:
FREE
