Martin Börjesson

Bioenergy futures in Sweden - system effects of CO2 reduction and fossil fuel phase-out policies

Bioenergy could contribute both to the reduction of greenhouse gases and to increased energy security, but the extent of this contribution strongly depends on the cost and potential of biomass resources. For Sweden, this study investigates how the implementation of policies for CO2 reduction and for phase out of fossil fuels in road transport affect the future utilization of biomass, in the stationary energy system and in the transport sector, and its price. The analysis is based on the bottom‐up, optimization MARKAL_Sweden model, which includes a comprehensive representation of the national energy system. For the analysis, the biomass supply representation of MARKAL_Sweden is updated and improved by the use of, e.g., forestry forecasting modeling and through construction of detailed biomass supply curves. A time horizon up to 2050 is applied. The results indicate a potential for significantly higher use of bioenergy. In the main analysis scenario, in which CO2 reduction of 80% by 2050 is imposed on the Swedish energy system, the total bioenergy utilization increases by 63% by 2050 compared to 2010. The largest increase occurs in the transport sector, which by 2050 accounts for 43% of the total primary bioenergy use. The high demand and strong competition significantly increase biomass prices and lead to the utilization of higher cost biomass sources such as stumps and cultivated energy forest, as well as use of pulpwood resources for energy purposes.

Biomass CHP Energy Systems: A Critical Assessment

Combined heat and power (CHP) generation is generally considered a measure to increase the overall efficiency of energy systems. Biomass-fueled CHP represents thus an alternative for the combination of an efficient energy technology and a renewable, climate-neutral fuel. Even though biomass CHP presents several advantages, the deployment is linked to a number of complex issues. Often the involved complexities are not connected to the technology as such, but rather to system issues regarding how to view, and what to assume, about the technology’s system surrounding. The system boundaries can be very broad because of the versatility of biomass, its many end uses, and the wide range of possible displacement effects. In this chapter, system aspects of biomass energy systems including CHP are analyzed and discussed.

Biomass CHP Energy Systems

Combined heat and power (CHP) generation is generally considered a measure to increase the overall efficiency of energy systems. Biomass-fueled CHP represents thus an alternative for the combination of an efficient energy technology and a renewable, climate-neutral fuel. Even though biomass CHP presents several advantages, the deployment is linked to a number of complex issues. Often the involved complexities are not connected to the technology as such, but rather to system issues regarding how to view, and what to assume, about the technology’s system surrounding. The system boundaries can be very broad because of the versatility of biomass, its many end uses, and the wide range of possible displacement effects. In this chapter, system aspects of biomass energy systems including CHP are analyzed and discussed.