Biomass for energy or materials?: A Western European systems engineering perspective

This paper discusses an assessment of the optimal use of biomass in Western Europe for the long term (2010–2030) for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The assessment is based on a linear programming model for the Western European energy and materials system, called MARKAL MATTER 4.2. The goal of th...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Energy policy 2001-03, Vol.29 (4), p.291-302
Main Authors: Gielen, D.J., de Feber, M.A.P.C., Bos, A.J.M., Gerlagh, T.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Agricultural sector
Applied sciences
Biomass
Emissions
Energy
Energy economics
Energy policy
Energy resources
Environmental degradation
Exact sciences and technology
General, economic and professional studies
Greenhouse effect
Greenhouse gas policies
Greenhouse gases
Linear programming
MARKAL
Market forces
Market potential
Methodology. Modelling
Pollution
Studies
Western Europe
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Summary:This paper discusses an assessment of the optimal use of biomass in Western Europe for the long term (2010–2030) for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The assessment is based on a linear programming model for the Western European energy and materials system, called MARKAL MATTER 4.2. The goal of the study was the comparison of the cost-effectiveness and the interactions between bioenergy, biomaterials and afforestation strategies in comparison to other greenhouse gas emission reduction strategies. The results suggest that the use of biomass for energy and materials applications will increase by up to 200 Mt (compared to the case with no permit price) if greenhouse gas policies are introduced. The main increase occurs in the production of transportation fuels and substitution of petrochemical feedstocks and electricity generation from waste and residues. Afforestation offers a cost-effective competing land-use strategy. The total contribution of biomass strategies is an emission reduction of up to 400 Mt CO 2 equivalents (9% of 1990 emissions).
ISSN:0301-4215
1873-6777
DOI:10.1016/S0301-4215(00)00123-3