Paper details

Title:

Addressing Fuel Poverty in Local Initiatives through International Cooperative Actions

Author(s):

Richards, K.M., Domac, J., White, W., Hohle, E.E., Elbe, S., Lunnan, A., Segon, V., Beech, M.

Document(s):

Abstract:

The Task on Socio­Economic Drivers in Implementing Bioenergy Projects (Task 29) is an international collaboration project within the IEA Implementing Agreement on Bioenergy with Canada, Croatia, Germany, Norway, and the United Kingdom as participating countries. The Task is investigating and giving profile to differing regional and national achievements in terms of social and economic benefits of biomass utilisation and drivers in implementing bioenergy projects. The Task addresses many relevant aspects of technology introduction and is currently focused on: 1) Achieving local and regional influence on national bioenergy strategies and policies; 2) Innovative financial instruments enabling local project development; 3) Addressing fuel poverty through implementing local bioenergy and hybrid renewable energy schemes. Task 29 is examining innovative approaches to addressing fuel poverty in disadvantaged groups through utilising bioenergy/ wood fuel primarily in small scale district energy schemes and new and innovative ways of utilizing firewood. Such schemes have a role to play in rural as well as urban settings although the challenges to achieving successful outcomes varies. Solutions should be governed by the ability to deliver significant social and economic benefit to users and as such will often comprise more than one renewable energy technology option. In particular, biomass has a good ‘fit’ with solar technologies in which case both heating and electricity needs can be met. The Task is also considering the advantages afforded by the introduction of financial incentives in participating countries such as the FIT (Feed in Tariff) and the RHI (Renewable Heat Incentive) in the United Kingdom and similar initiatives in other countries. Such schemes offer opportunities for both the Landlord and Tenant to benefit fom introducing ‘green energy solutions’ thus allowing the mainstreaming of bioenergy technologies.

Keywords:

bioenergy, financial aspects, socio-economics, fuel poverty, district energy schemes

Topic:

Plenaries

Subtopic:

Biomass policies, markets and sustainability

Event:

19th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition

Session:

PD1.5

Pages:

43 - 44

ISBN-13:

978-88-89407-55-4

ISBN-10:

88-89407-55-7

Paper DOI:

10.5071/19thEUBCE2011-PD1.5

Price:

FREE