The Role of Bioenergy in the Emerging Bioeconomy: Resources, Technologies, Sustainability and Policy

The Role of Bioenergy in the Emerging Bioeconomy provides the reader with a complete understanding of how bioenergy technologies will fit into the new bioeconomy paradigm. It is organized in three parts. The first part presents a description of the main resources and technologies for bioenergy and its integration in energy systems and biorefining chains. It also examines the concept of bioeconomy. Part II analyzes the available methodologies for assessing the sustainability of bioenergy. The three sustainability pillars are addressed and the proposed approaches are demonstrated through concrete case studies. Additionally, the implications of bioenergy in the water-energy and land nexus is presented along with other new challenges and opportunities. The future evolution of bioenergy is explored in the last part. The role these technologies can play in possible transition pathways to a low carbon economy is presented using the results of energy modelling literature.

This book’s strong focus on sustainability of bioenergy, both as a standalone and in the larger context of a bio-based economy, makes it a useful resource for researchers, professionals and students in the bioenergy field when assessing the life cycle and sustainability of bioenergy technologies and their integration into existing systems. Its overarching approach is also helpful for those looking to update specific information of their expertise, as well as other aspects of the bio-based economy not included into their day by day activities but needed in the development of their investigations. It is also useful for those interested in energy policy and economics.

Presents a complete overview the main challenges that bioenergy will have to overcome in order to play a key role in the future energy system, including transition pathways scenarios in competition with other alternative technologiesExplores sustainability aspects in detail, both qualitatively and by applying proposed methodologies to concrete bioenergy case studiesCovers in detail the water-energy-land nexus implications and governance aspects

PART I. INTRODUCTION, RESOURCES, TECHNOLOGY AND POLICY 1. Nexus bioenergy – bioeconomy 2. Resources 3. Biofuels and biomass for heat and power 4. Biorefineries

PART II. SUSTAINABILITY 5. Sustainability of bioenergy 6. Key challenges and opportunities 7. Nexus water-energy-land

PART III. FUTURE TRENDS 8. Innovation 9. Future role of bioenergy