Folke Bohlin

Towards a standard methodology for greenhouse gas balances of bioenergy systems in comparison with fossil energy systems

In this paper, which was prepared as part of IEA Bioenergy Task XV (“Greenhouse Gas Balances of Bioenergy Systems”), we outline a standard methodology for comparing the greenhouse gas balances of bioenergy systems with those of fossil energy systems. Emphasis is on a careful definition of system boundaries. The following issues are dealt with in detail: time interval analysed and changes of carbon stocks; reference energy systems; energy inputs required to produce, process and transport fuels; mass and energy losses along the entire fuel chain; energy embodied in facility infrastructure; distribution systems; cogeneration systems; by-products; waste wood and other biomass waste for energy; reference land use; and other environmental issues. For each of these areas recommendations are given on how analyses of greenhouse gas balances should be performed. In some cases we also point out alternative ways of doing the greenhouse gas accounting. Finally, the paper gives some recommendations on how bioenergy systems should be optimized from a greenhouse-gas-emissions point of view.

Forest Incomes and Poverty Alleviation Under Participatory Forest Management in the Bale Highlands, Southern Ethiopia

SUMMARY There is an increasing interest in understanding the role forest products and forest resource management in rural livelihoods and poverty reduction strategies. This study investigates the contribution of forest resources to the livelihoods of rural households under a participatory management arrangement in southern Ethiopia. Data were collected through key informant interviews, group discussion, and household surveys from a total of 350 households. Income data were collected in four separate seasons at intervals of three months. The result indicates that forest products are the most important sources of income contributing to 34% and 53% of household per capita income and per capita cash income, respectively. Forest income also helps 20% of the population to remain above the poverty line. Forest income reduces inequality (Gini coefficient) by 15.5%. In general, the result confirms the importance of forest income in poverty alleviation and as safety nets in times of income crisis.

Wood fuel supply as a function of forest owner preferences and management styles

The commercial demand for wood fuel is rapidly increasing in Sweden, and the domestic supply comes primarily from private non-industrial forest owners. A model was developed to analyse decision-making among these private forest owners. The model covers five factors: economics, transaction costs, concerns about soil fertility, forestry, and previous experience. It was applied in a survey among forest owners in four communities in central Sweden in 1999. Wood fuels had been sold from 60% of the estates. Analysis suggests that the price paid had little influence on the decision to sell. Transaction costs had been alleviated by the traditional timber buyer organizing the fuel trade, and by minimizing measurement in the forest. The primary reason for selling wood fuel was that the harvesting operation cleared the ground of debris. There is a general concern for loss in soil fertility due to wood fuel harvesting which is why some owners do not sell forest fuels. Two types of fuel-selling forest owners were identified: (1) an active manager seeking different gains from wood fuel harvest, and (2) an owner who primarily relies on the advice of the timber buyer. The findings indicate that large-scale traders of wood fuels have to be active in increasing supply, making direct contact with forest owners, and connecting trade with information on ecological and silvicultural effects. Offering ash recycling may enhance supply more than marginal price increases.

A Geographical Analysis of the Swedish Woodfuel Market

The geographical variation in Swedish woodfuel market characteristics for the district heating sector has been studied using Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and cross - sectional Tobit analysis. The results indicate that local availability and competition for woodfuels influence the woodfuel consumption at inland heating plants. The factors affecting the decision to use woodfuel at heating plants close to seaports, however, were not captured by the model, suggesting that coastal location reduces dependency on the local woodfuel market. The effects of changes in local woodfuel availability on woodfuel use by an inland heating plant are presented and discussed.

Solid biofuels for carbon dioxide mitigation

Abstract The implementation of solid biofuels for carbon dioxide mitigation represents a change in the energy system which will have both economic and environmental consequences. This article represents a summary of a state of the art conference which was organised in Sweden in September, 1997. The aim was to bring together economic and environmental expertise in order to secure the grounds for future investments in bioenergy. The sum of the economic and environmental evidence presented at this conference weighs very heavily in favor of bioenergy options.

Woodfuel procurement strategies of district heating plants

Woodfuel use in the Swedish district heating sector increased significantly from 1985 to 1999. This study analysed strategies and considerations concerning woodfuel procurement in district heating plants. Priorities and concerns in the industry involved an increased woodfuel share, ambitions to create an environmental image, cost minimisation, awareness about the role of energy policies for fuel choice, improvement of woodfuel quality and the ambition to maintain a competitive woodfuel market with several suppliers. Factor analysis yielded five dimensions in the woodfuel procurement strategies among the district heating companies: (1) increased woodfuel use; (2) import; (3) spot market woodfuel purchases; (4) focus on refined woodfuels; and (5) using price only when deciding whether to use woodfuels or other fuels. Five clusters were defined along the three strategy dimensions (1)–(3). The clusters differed concerning size, experiences from the introduction of woodfuels, perceptions about woodfuels and strategies employed to date. This paper describes different strategies that the district heating companies apply on the woodfuel market. The conclusion is that policies should consider this diversity in procurement strategies, mitigate their negative side-effects and assist to make them cost-effective.

Evaluation criteria for carbon dioxide mitigating projects in forestry and agriculture

Projects in forestry and agriculture aiming at carbon dioxide mitigation are complex. This complexity necessitates that policy makers analyse project proposals from multiple view points. Here, three conceptual projects - fossil fuel substitution by forest fuel, by Salix plantations and sequestration through forest growth - are analysed with respect to time profile, cost efficiency and transaction costs. The projects differ greatly with respect to these criteria. This implies that neglect of any of the criteria may lead to an inadequate project appraisal.