Paper details

Title:

Bioenergy Production Potentials from Degraded and Marginal Land

Author(s):

Wicke, B., Faaij, A.P.C.

Document(s):

Abstract:

This study assesses the technical and economic potentials of bioenergy production on degraded and marginal land using two examples. In addition, environmental impacts of using this type of land for bioenergy production are evaluated. Three main conclusions can be drawn. Firstly, bioenergy production on degraded and marginal land has a substantial potential for contributing to regional energy consumption. Secondly, the analysis of economic performance suggests that bioenergy production on these land types can in many cases be competitive with other bioenergy sources and even fossil fuels. Thirdly, perennial bioenergy production on degraded and marginal land can have both positive (e.g. carbon sequestration, improvements in soil fertility, and reduction in soil degradation) and negative (e.g. exacerbation of water shortages in water­scarce regions) environmental impacts; more research is needed to determine the conditions under which bioenergy production results in negative environmental impacts so that these can be minimized.

Keywords:

bioenergy, economics, environmental impact, potential, degraded land, marginal lands

Topic:

Biomass Resources

Subtopic:

Straw resources and crops

Event:

19th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition

Session:

OD4.5

Pages:

265 - 268

ISBN-13:

978-88-89407-55-4

ISBN-10:

88-89407-55-7

Paper DOI:

10.5071/19thEUBCE2011-OD4.5

Price:

FREE