Bioenergy chains study

A study comparing the environmental impacts of the various bioenergy chains of perennial crops has been conducted. This focused particularly on their fossil alternatives, as well as on the comparison of different bioenergy forms.

'Bioenergy chains' is an EU-funded project that set out to significantly increase the use of biomass from energy crops. Furthermore, the project has evaluated the entire bioenergy chain from bionnass production to thermo-chemical conversion. This was done in terms of technical, socioeconomic and environmental feasibility.

Perennial crops were analysed according to their life cycles from the growing region and agriculture to conversion and usage. Although biofuels can save energy and reduce greenhouse gases, the project partners found that the environmental advantages of biofuels may vary according to the crop, the conversion technology and usage.

Thus, in order to maximise environmental advantages, certain measures need to be taken. Crops which are economically stable and produce high yields should be selected. For heat production, biomass should be combusted directly rather than using products of gasification. The best use of conversion technology - in other words whether it is heat, power or a combination of the two - can vary greatly for each case.

Bioluel advantages as regards energy savings and greenhouse gases can also be transferred to other bioenergy chains in the broader sense. Thus, the hope is to distinguish the best options for bioenergy resources and technologies in southern Europe, in social, environmental and financial terms.

(Source Cordis Focus http://cordis.europa.eu/news/focus )

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