Paper details

Title:

Expanding Utilization of Woody Biomass Resources for Electricity Generation in Florida and its Economic Impacts

Author(s):

Rahmani, M., Hodges, A.W., Stevens, T.J.

Document(s):

Abstract:

This study examined the economic impacts of substituting woody biomass fuels for fossil fuels to generate electricity in Florida. Presently, bio­fuels are the primary source of renewable energy in Florida. The state has 16.9 million acres (6.84 million hectares) of forest lands and year­round growing conditions. Using more woody­biomass resources for electricity generation has raised concerns about potential ecosystem degradation and adverse consequences for the wood products industry from anticipated increase in the price of timber. A regional Input­Output model and Social Accounting Matrix (I­O/SAM) coupled with a Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) model was employed to empirically assess these and other potential economic impacts. Results showed that a 40 million tons biomass supply (representing about 13 percent of the energy needs for current electric generation in Florida), would increase Gross Domestic Products (GDP) for the state by 0.32 percent or US$2.12 billion above the current level and for 80 million tons biomass supply state GDP would increase by 0.62 percent or US$4.37 billion. The results indicated that imports of fossil fuel would decrease by 2.5 percent or US$1.14 billion annually. However, the forest products manufacturing sector would be adversely impacted by higher prices for forest products raw materials.

Keywords:

economics, policies, electricity generation, woody biomass

Topic:

Biomass Policies, Markets and Sustainability

Subtopic:

National plans and strategies

Event:

19th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition

Session:

OD9.1

Pages:

2483 - 2490

ISBN-13:

978-88-89407-55-4

ISBN-10:

88-89407-55-7

Paper DOI:

10.5071/19thEUBCE2011-OD9.1

Price:

FREE