DOCSLIB.ORG

Energy Issues Affecting Corn/Soybean Systems: Challenges for Sustainable Production

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Energy Issues Affecting Corn/Soybean Systems: Challenges for Sustainable Production University of Nebraska - Lincoln DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln Adam Liska Papers Biological Systems Engineering 2012 Energy Issues Affecting Corn/Soybean Systems: Challenges for Sustainable Production Douglas L. Karlen USDA-ARS, Ames, Iowa, [email protected] David Archer USDA-ARS, Mandan, ND, [email protected] Adam Liska University of Nebraska - Lincoln, [email protected] Seth Meyer Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute–Missouri, Columbia, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/bseliska Part of the Biological Engineering Commons Karlen, Douglas L.; Archer, David; Liska, Adam; and Meyer, Seth, "Energy Issues Affecting Corn/Soybean Systems: Challenges for Sustainable Production" (2012). Adam Liska Papers. 12. https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/bseliska/12 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Biological Systems Engineering at DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. It has been accepted for inclusion in Adam Liska Papers by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. Number 48 January 2012 Energy Issues Affecting Corn/Soybean Systems: Challenges for Sustainable Production The corn/soybean production system models the complexities involved in the generation, supply, distribution, and use of energy. (Photo images from Shutterstock.) bstrAct of systems” or even “systems within energy issue, life cycle assessment is A ecosystems” because of their complex used as a tool to evaluate the impact Quantifying energy issues associ- linkages to global food, feed, and fuel of what many characterize as a simple ated with agricultural systems, even production. production system. This approach for a two-crop corn (Zea mays L.) and Two key economic challenges at demonstrates the importance of hav- soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) rota- the field and farm scale for decreas- ing accurate greenhouse gas and soil tion, is not a simple task. It becomes ing energy use are (1) overcoming organic carbon information for these even more complicated if the goal is adoption barriers that currently limit analyses to be meaningful. to include all aspects of sustainability implementation of energy-conserving Traditional and emerging mar- (i.e., economic, environmental, and production practices and (2) demon- ket and policy forces affecting energy social). This Issue Paper examines strating the viability of sustainable issues within corn/soybean systems energy issues associated with and af- bioenergy feedstock production as are examined to project the effects of fecting corn/soybean rotations by first part of a landscape management plan increasing bioenergy demand associ- defining the size of the system from focused not only on corn/soybean ated with the Energy Independence both a U.S. and global perspective and production but on all aspects of soil, and Security Act of 2007. Uncertainty then establishing boundaries based water, and air resource management. with regard to biofuel policy is a ma- on the Farm Bill definition of sustain- It is also important to look beyond di- jor factor affecting energy issues in ability. This structured approach is es- rect energy consumption to address the all aspects of agriculture. This uncer- sential to help quantify energy issues complex economics affecting energy tainty affects investments in biofuel within corn/soybean systems that are issues associated with corn/soybean production and energy demand, which themselves best described as “systems systems. To help address the complex together influence commodity prices, This material is based upon work supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute for Food and Agriculture (NIFA) Grants No. 2010- 38902-20899, No. 2009-38902-20041, and No. 2008-38902-19327. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of USDA–NIFA. CAST Issue Paper 48 Task Force Members Adam J. Liska Authors , Department of Timothy M. Smith, Bioproduct Biological Systems Engineering, and Biosystems Engineering, Uni- University of Nebraska–Lincoln Douglas L. Karlen (Chair), USDA– versity of Minnesota–Twin Cities ARS, National Laboratory for Seth Meyer, Food and Agricultural Campus, St. Paul Agriculture and the Environment, Policy Research Institute–Missouri, Anthony F. Turhollow, Jr., Envi- Ames, Iowa Columbia ronmental Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak David Archer, USDA–ARS, North- Reviewers ern Great Plains Research Center, Ridge, Tennessee Mandan, North Dakota Harold Reetz (retired), Reetz Ag- ronomics, LLC, Monticello, Illinois price volatility for food and feed, and Quantifying energy issues within efforts. Corn production (USDA– agricultural energy decisions. any system is difficult, but attempting NASS 2011) rose from approximately The authors conclude by offering an to do so within the constraints of sus- 50 million megagrams (Mg; 2.0 billion approach, including decreased or more tainability (i.e., economically viable, bushels) during the 1930s to 1.55 bil- efficient energy use, that can enhance environmentally benign, and socially lion Mg (12.6 billion bushels) during all aspects of sustainability. Their strat- acceptable) is crucial if humankind is to the past five years (2007–2011) with egy, defined as a “landscape vision,” begin addressing the scientific, tech- no change in harvest area (33.2 million is suggested as an agricultural system nical, economic, social, and political hectares [ha] or 81.99 million acres). approach that could meet increasing elements that must be transformed to The increased production was primarily global demand for food, feed, fiber, and change how energy is generated, sup- because of improved tolerance to high fuel in a truly sustainable manner. plied, distributed, and used (NAS 2010). plant populations and abiotic stress This Issue Paper addresses energy is- (Duvick 1992). Furthermore, the esti- sues within the corn/soybean production mated genetic corn yield potential of 25 IntroductIon system as a model for understanding the Mg/ha (400 bushels/acre) (Evans and Industrial growth and development, complexities that must be addressed. Fischer 1999; Tollenaar 1983; Tollenaar electrification, rapid advances in trans- The goal is to identify research, devel- and Lee 2002) still has not been portation options, and cheap, abundant opment, and policy needs, questions, achieved across a large area of land, so energy resources during the twentieth benefits, and opportunities for both in- additional increases in yield per unit century allowed many in the United creasing energy efficiency and produc- area and total corn production are antic- States to become very complacent re- ing bioenergy in landscapes dominated ipated as transgenic crops continue to garding both the amount and sources by corn/soybean production systems. improve herbicide tolerance and insect of energy being used. All sectors of the Therefore, this paper will explore en- resistance (Duvick 2005). global economy, including agriculture, ergy issues associated with tillage, There also was a major land use are now being affected by that grow- crop rotation, cover crops, and linkages change (Karlen 2004) as the area de- ing demand for energy because of the among food, feed, fiber, and fuel pro- voted to soybean production increased critical role energy plays in maintaining duction for this cropping system. 500% from 6.1 to 31.9 million ha (15 national security, economic prosperity, to 79 million acres) between 1950 and and environmental quality (NAS 2009). U.S. and Global Corn/ 2010 (CAST 2009; USDA–NASS Understanding the complexity of en- 2011). As a result of these changes, ergy issues affecting agriculture and Soybean Production—1950 the corn/soybean rotation became the all other industries is becoming more to 2010 dominant land use in the midwestern important as world demand for food, As reported by Johnson, Allmaras, United States during the latter half of feed, fiber, and fuel increases and the and Reicosky (2006), corn and soy- the twentieth century (Karlen, Dinnes, reliability of traditional energy sources bean yields were low and constant until and Singer 2010). The development (especially oil) becomes more uncertain after the 1930s. Then, starting with the of highly efficient animal produc- because of political instability and fi- development of hybrid corn; increased tion systems, new products, and an nite supplies. Increasing recognition of use of commercial nitrogen (N), phos- increased global market demand for global climate variability (e.g., ICCAC phorus, and potassium fertilizers; and corn, soybean, and animal products all 2011) and the fact that U.S. dependence development of many mechanical accompanied this increase in corn/soy- on foreign oil has increased from 40% (planters, pickers, combines), chemi- bean supplies. These cropping system in 1990 to 56% in 2009 are just two cal (pesticides, insecticides), and most changes helped ensure a consistent, of the driving forces encouraging ev- recently genetic engineering technolo- uniform commodity supply for agricul- eryone to examine their energy future gies, yields rose steadily through public tural industries; however, with regard to (CAST 2010; NAS 2010). and private research and development soil and water conservation they raised 2 COUNCIL FOR AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY many concerns (Karlen, Dinnes, and and Agriculture.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • What Is Still Limiting the Deployment of Cellulosic Ethanol? Analysis of the Current Status of the Sector
    applied sciences Review What is still Limiting the Deployment of Cellulosic Ethanol? Analysis of the Current Status of the Sector Monica Padella *, Adrian O’Connell and Matteo Prussi European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Directorate C-Energy, Transport and Climate, Energy Efficiency and Renewables Unit C.2-Via E. Fermi 2749, 21027 Ispra, Italy; [email protected] (A.O.); [email protected] (M.P.) * Correspondence: [email protected] Received: 16 September 2019; Accepted: 15 October 2019; Published: 24 October 2019 Abstract: Ethanol production from cellulosic material is considered one of the most promising options for future biofuel production contributing to both the energy diversification and decarbonization of the transport sector, especially where electricity is not a viable option (e.g., aviation). Compared to conventional (or first generation) ethanol production from food and feed crops (mainly sugar and starch based crops), cellulosic (or second generation) ethanol provides better performance in terms of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions savings and low risk of direct and indirect land-use change. However, despite the policy support (in terms of targets) and significant R&D funding in the last decade (both in EU and outside the EU), cellulosic ethanol production appears to be still limited. The paper provides a comprehensive overview of the status of cellulosic ethanol production in EU and outside EU, reviewing available literature and highlighting technical and non-technical barriers that still limit its production at commercial scale. The review shows that the cellulosic ethanol sector appears to be still stagnating, characterized by technical difficulties as well as high production costs.
    [Show full text]
  • Energy Crops in Europe Under the EU Energy Reference Scenario 2013
    An assessment of dedicated energy crops in Europe under the EU Energy Reference Scenario 2013 Application of the LUISA modelling platform - Updated Configuration 2014 Carolina Perpiña Castillo, Claudia Baranzelli, Joachim Maes, Grazia Zulian, Ana Lopes Barbosa, Ine Vandecasteele, Ines Mari Rivero, Sara Vallecillo Rodriguez, Filipe Batista E Silva, Chris Jacobs-Crisioni, Carlo Lavalle 2015 EUR 27644 EN An assessment of dedicated energy crops in Europe under the EU Energy Reference Scenario 2013. Application of the LUISA modelling platform - Updated Configuration 2014 This publication is a Technical report by the Joint Research Centre, the European Commission’s in-house science service. It aims to provide evidence-based scientific support to the European policy-making process. The scientific output expressed does not imply a policy position of the European Commission. Neither the European Commission nor any person acting on behalf of the Commission is responsible for the use which might be made of this publication. JRC Science Hub https://ec.europa.eu/jrc JRC99227 EUR 27644 EN ISBN 978-92-79-54171-1 (PDF) ISSN 1831-9424 (online) doi:10.2788/64726 (online) © European Union, 2016 Reproduction is authorised provided the source is acknowledged. All images © European Union 2016 How to cite: Perpiña Castillo C, Baranzelli C, Maes J, Zulian G, Lopes Barbosa A, Vandecasteele I, Mari Rivero I, Vallecillo Rodriguez S, Batista E Silva F, Jacobs C, Lavalle C. An assessment of dedicated energy crops in Europe under the EU Energy Reference Scenario 2013 Application of the LUISA modelling platform – Updated Configuration 2014. EUR 27644; doi:10.2788/64726 1 Table of contents Executive summary ..............................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Maize As Energy Crop for Combustion – Agricultural Optimisation of Fuel Supply
    Technologie- undFörderzentrum imKompetenzzentrumfürNachwachsendeRohstoffe 9 Berichteausdem TFZ MaizeasEnergyCrop forCombustion AgriculturalOptimisation ofFuelSupply TFZ Maize as Energy Crop for Combustion – Agricultural Optimisation of Fuel Supply Technologie- und Förderzentrum im Kompetenzzentrum für Nachwachsende Rohstoffe Maize as Energy Crop for Combustion Agricultural Optimisation of Fuel Supply Dipl.-Geogr. Caroline Schneider Dr. Hans Hartmann Berichte aus dem TFZ 9 Straubing, Januar 2006 Title: Maize as Energy Crop for Combustion – Agricultural Optimisation of Fuel Supply Authors: Caroline Schneider Dr. Hans Hartmann In Cooperation with: Research conducted within the European project „New small scale innova- tive energy biomass combustor“ (NESSIE) NNE5/2001/517 Financial Support: Project funded by the EU The report’s responsibility is taken by the authors. © 2006 Technologie- und Förderzentrum (TFZ) im Kompetenzzentrum für Nachwachsende Rohstoffe, Straubing Alle Rechte vorbehalten. Kein Teil dieses Werkes darf ohne schriftliche Einwilligung des Herausgebers in irgendeiner Form reproduziert oder unter Verwendung elektronischer Systeme verarbeitet, vervielfältigt, verbreitet oder archiviert werden. ISSN: 1614-1008 Hrsg.: Technologie- und Förderzentrum (TFZ) im Kompetenzzentrum für Nachwachsende Rohstoffe Schulgasse 18, 94315 Straubing E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.tfz.bayern.de Redaktion: Caroline Schneider, Dr. Hans Hartmann Verlag: Selbstverlag, Straubing Erscheinungsort: Straubing Erscheinungsjahr: 2006 Gestaltung:
    [Show full text]
  • Crops of the Biofrontier: in Search of Opportunities for Sustainable Energy Cropping
    WHITE PAPER APRIL 2016 CROPS OF THE BIOFRONTIER: IN SEARCH OF OPPORTUNITIES FOR SUSTAINABLE ENERGY CROPPING Stephanie Searle, Chelsea Petrenko, Ella Baz, Chris Malins www.theicct.org [email protected] BEIJING | BERLIN | BRUSSELS | SAN FRANCISCO | WASHINGTON ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS With thanks to Pete Harrison, Federico Grati, Piero Cavigliasso, Maria Grissanta Diana, Pier Paolo Roggero, Pasquale Arca, Ana Maria Bravo, James Cogan, Zoltan Szabo, Vadim Zubarev Nikola Trendov, Wendelin Wichtmann, John Van De North, Rebecca Arundale, Jake Becker, Ben Allen, Laura Buffet, Sini Eräjää, and Ariel Brunner. SUGGESTED REFERENCE Searle, S., Petrenko, C., Baz, E. and Malins, C. (2016). Crops of the Biofrontier: In search of opportunities for sustainable energy cropping. Washington D.C.: The International Council on Clean Transportation. ABOUT THIS REPORT We are grateful for the generous support of the European Climate Foundation, which allowed this report to be produced. The International Council on Clean Transportation is an independent nonprofit organization founded to provide first-rate, unbiased research and technical and scientific analysis to environmental regulators. Our mission is to improve the environmental performance and energy efficiency of road, marine, and air transportation, in order to benefit public health and mitigate climate change. Send inquiries about this report to: The International Council on Clean Transportation 1225 I St NW Washington District of Columbia 20005 [email protected] | www.theicct.org | @TheICCT © 2016 International Council on Clean Transportation PREFACE BY THE EUROPEAN CLIMATE FOUNDATION In December 2015, world leaders agreed a new deal for tackling the risks of climate change. Countries will now need to develop strategies for meeting their commitments under the Paris Agreement, largely via efforts to limit deforestation and to reduce the carbon intensity of their economies.
    [Show full text]
  • Industrial Hemp (Cannabis Sativa L.) – a High-Yielding Energy Crop
    Industrial Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) – a High-Yielding Energy Crop Thomas Prade Faculty of Landscape Planning, Horticulture and Agricultural Science Department of Agrosystems Alnarp Doctoral Thesis Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Alnarp 2011 Acta Universitatis agriculturae Sueciae 2011:95 Cover: Production pathways for biogas (top) and solid biofuel (bottom) from hemp. Photos: T. Prade; except biogas plant and CHP plant: Bioenergiportalen.se. ISSN 1652-6880 ISBN 978-91-576-7639-9 © 2011 Thomas Prade, Alnarp Print: SLU Service/Repro, Alnarp 2011 Industrial Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) – a High-Yielding Energy Crop Abstract Bioenergy is currently the fastest growing source of renewable energy. Tighter sustainability criteria for the production of vehicle biofuels and an increasing interest in combined heat and power (CHP) production from biomass have led to a demand for high-yielding energy crops with good conversion efficiencies. Industrial hemp was studied as an energy crop for production of biogas and solid biofuel. Based on field trials, the development of biomass and energy yield, the specific methane yield and elemental composition of the biomass were studied over the growing and senescence period of the crop, i.e. from autumn to the following spring. The energy yield of hemp for both solid biofuel and biogas production proved similar or superior to that of most energy crops common in northern Europe. The high energy yield of biogas from hemp is based on a high biomass yield per hectare and good specific methane yield with large potential for increases by pretreatment of the biomass. The methane energy yield per hectare is highest in autumn when hemp biomass yield is highest.
    [Show full text]
  • Life Cycle Assessment of Biofuels in Sweden
    Life Cycle Assessment of Biofuels in Sweden Börjesson, Pål; Tufvesson, Linda; Lantz, Mikael 2010 Link to publication Citation for published version (APA): Börjesson, P., Tufvesson, L., & Lantz, M. (2010). Life Cycle Assessment of Biofuels in Sweden. (LUTFD2/TFEM--10/3061--SE + (1-88); Vol. 70). Lund University. Department of Technology and Society. Environmental and Energy Systems Studies. Total number of authors: 3 General rights Unless other specific re-use rights are stated the following general rights apply: Copyright and moral rights for the publications made accessible in the public portal are retained by the authors and/or other copyright owners and it is a condition of accessing publications that users recognise and abide by the legal requirements associated with these rights. • Users may download and print one copy of any publication from the public portal for the purpose of private study or research. • You may not further distribute the material or use it for any profit-making activity or commercial gain • You may freely distribute the URL identifying the publication in the public portal Read more about Creative commons licenses: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/ Take down policy If you believe that this document breaches copyright please contact us providing details, and we will remove access to the work immediately and investigate your claim. LUND UNIVERSITY PO Box 117 221 00 Lund +46 46-222 00 00 Department of Technology and Society Environmental and Energy Systems Studies Life Cycle Assessment of Biofuels in Sweden Pål Börjesson, Linda Tufvesson & Mikael Lantz Report No. 70 May 2010 Address P.O. Box 118, SE-221 00 Lund, Sweden Tel.
    [Show full text]
  • Biogas from Energy Crop Digestion Rudolf BRAUN Peter WEILAND Arthur WELLINGER Biogas from Energy Crop Digestion IEA Bioenergy
    Biogas from Energy Crop Digestion Rudolf BRAUN Peter WEILAND Arthur WELLINGER Biogas from Energy Crop Digestion IEA Bioenergy Task 37 - Energy from Biogas and Landfill Gas IEA Bioenergy aims to accelerate the use of environmental sound and cost-competitive bioenergy on a sustainable basis, and thereby achieve a substantial contribution to future energy demands. THE FOLLOWING natiONS ARE CURRENTLY MEMBERS OF TASK 37: Austria Rudolf BRAUN, [email protected] Canada Andrew McFarlan, [email protected] Denmark Jens Bo HOLM-NIELSEN, [email protected] European Commission David BAXTER, [email protected] Finland Jukka Rintala, [email protected] France Caroline MARCHAIS, [email protected] Olivier THEOBALD, [email protected] Germany Peter WEILAND, [email protected] Netherland Mathieu DUMONT, [email protected] Sweden Anneli PETERSSON, [email protected] Switzerland (Task leader) Arthur WELLINGER, [email protected] UK Clare LUKEHURST, [email protected] Rudolf BRAUN IFA-Tulln – Institute for Agrobiotechnology A-3430 Tulln, Konrad Lorenz Strasse 20 [email protected] Peter WEILAND Johann Heinrich von Thünen-Institut (vTI) D-38116 Braunschweig, Bundesallee 50 [email protected] Arthur WELLINGER Nova Energie CH-8355 Aadorf, Châtelstrasse 21 [email protected] IMPRESSUM Graphic Design: Susanne AUER Contents Biogas from Energy Crop Digestion Contents The world‘s energy supply – A future challenge 4 Development of energy crop digestion 4 Energy crops
    [Show full text]
  • Miscanthus: a Fastgrowing Crop for Biofuels and Chemicals Production
    Review Miscanthus: a fast- growing crop for biofuels and chemicals production Nicolas Brosse, Université de Lorraine, Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France Anthony Dufour, CNRS, Université de Lorraine, Nancy, France Xianzhi Meng, Qining Sun, and Arthur Ragauskas, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA Received February 9, 2012; revised April 17, 2012; accepted April 18, 2012 View online at Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com); DOI: 10.1002/bbb.1353; Biofuels, Bioprod. Bioref. (2012) Abstract: Miscanthus represents a key cand idate energy crop for use in biomass-to-liquid fuel-conversion processes and biorefi neries to produce a range of liquid fuels and chemicals; it has recently attracted considerable attention. Its yield, elemental composition, carbohydrate and lignin content and composition are of high importance to be reviewed for future biofuel production and development. Starting from Miscanthus, various pre-treatment technolo- gies have recently been developed in the literature to break down the lignin structure, disrupt the crystalline structure of cellulose, and enhance its enzyme digestibility. These technologies included chemical, physicochemical, and biological pre-treatments. Due to its signifi cantly lower concentrations of moisture and ash, Miscanthus also repre- sents a key candidate crop for use in biomass-to-liquid conversion processes to produce a range of liquid fuels and chemicals by thermochemical conversion. The goal of this paper is to review the current status of the technology for biofuel production from
    [Show full text]
  • The Future of Bioenergy in Sweden
    The future of bioenergy in Sweden – Background and summary of outstanding issues ER 2006:30 Böcker och rapporter utgivna av Statens energimyndighet kan beställas från Energimyndighetens förlag. Orderfax: 016-544 22 59 e-post: [email protected] © Statens energimyndighet Upplaga: 110 ex ER 2006:30 ISSN 1403-1892 The future of bioenergy in Sweden – Background and summary of outstanding issues Göran Berndes Fysisk resursteori Institutionen för energi och miljö, Chalmers 412 96 Göteborg Leif Magnusson EnerGia Konsulterande Ingenjörer AB Västmannagatan 82, 5 tr 113 26 Stockholm A study financed by Statens energimyndighet (The Swedish Energy Agency) Preface This report is intended to give a background to discussions about the future of bioenergy in Sweden. It deals with possible future domestic supply of biomass, and possible future demands. Conflicts of interest and other potential uses of biomass are discussed. A global perspective is also given, as well as a discussion of outstanding issues and proposals for further studies. The report should be of interest to all involved in planning for future bioenergy related activities. Authors are Göran Berndes, Department of Energy and Environment, Physical Resource Theory, Chalmers University of Technology and Leif Magnusson, EnerGia Konsulterande Ingenjörer AB. Birgitta Palmberger Head of Department Energy Technology Content 1 Summary 9 2 Summary in Swedish 11 3 Preface 17 4 The present supply and use of biomass in Sweden 19 5 Expectations for the future 23 5.1 Swedish bioenergy strategy .................................................................23
    [Show full text]
  • Biopower Program, Activities Overview
    Biopower Program, Activities Overview Biopower FactSheet Introduction to Biopower includes electric utilities, independent power producers, and the pulp and paper industry. Biomass power provides two valuable services: it is the To help expand opportunities for biomass power produc- second most important source of renewable energy in the tion, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) established United States, and it is an important part of our waste the Biopower Program, originally called the Biomass management infrastructure. Biomass is a substantial Power Program, and is sponsoring efforts to increase the renewable resource that can be used as a fuel for produc- productivity of dedicated energy crops. The Program aims ing electric power, steam, and heat. Biomass fuel used in to double biomass conversion efficiencies, thus reducing today’s power plants includes wood, agricultural, and biomass power generation costs. These efforts will pro- food processing residues. In the future, farms cultivating mote industrial and agricultural growth, improve the high-yielding energy crops (such as trees and grasses) will environment, create jobs, increase U.S. energy security, significantly expand our supply of biomass. These energy and provide new export markets. crops, coupled with high-efficiency conversion technolo- gies, can supplement our consumption of fossil fuels and help us respond to global climate change concerns. Where Is Biomass Power Headed? Biomass is a proven option for electricity generation. The Biopower Program strives to integrate sustainable Currently, more than 7,000 megawatts (MW) of biomass farms and forests with efficient biomass power produc- power capacity are installed at more than 350 plants in tion to provide significant, cost-competitive power.
    [Show full text]
  • Bioenergy Systems in Sweden – Climate Impacts, Market Implications, and Overall Sustainability
    Bioenergy Systems in Sweden – Climate impacts, market implications, and overall sustainability ER 2018:23 Energimyndighetens publikationer kan beställas eller laddas ner via www.energimyndigheten.se, eller beställas via e-post till [email protected] © Statens energimyndighet ER 2018:23 ISSN 1403-1892 Oktober 2018 Upplaga: 100 ex Tryck: Arkitektkopia AB, Bromma Frord Energimyndighetens forskningsprogram Bränsleprogrammet hållbarhet pågick mellan 2011 och 2017. Resultaten från programmet till och med 2016 redovisas i syntes- rapporter fr programmets delområden. Syftet med syntesrapporterna är att samman- ställa kunskap, att identifiera kunskapsluckor som behöver belysas vidare samt att placera och diskutera de sammanvägda forskningsresultaten i ett strre energi- och samhällsperspektiv, bland annat med koppling till miljkvalitetsmål och skogspolitiska milj- och produktionsmål. I produktionen av bioenergi behöver man ta hänsyn till flera faktorer för att den ska anses vara hållbar. En av de viktigaste är klimataspekten, dvs hur bioenergisystemet påverkat nettoutsläppen av växthusgaser vid utvinning, produktion, transport och energiomvandling samt vilka kolfrändringar som sker i landskapet till fljd av ett frändrat brukande. Frågan är komplex och det är därfr angeläget att kunna bedma olika bioenergisystem ur klimatperspektiv utifrån fakta och vetenskapliga analys- metoder fr både kort och lång sikt. Denna rapport fokuserar på klimatpåverkan av bioenergisystem i Norden och metoder fr att utvärdera dessa effekter. Rapporten behandlar projekt inom Bränsleprogrammet hållbarhet, näraliggande enskilda projekt som Energimyndigheten finansierar, samt annan nationell och internationell näraliggande verksamhet. Målgruppen är forskare, myndigheter, fretag och branschorganisationer inom bioenergisektorn samt vriga med verksamhet som berrs av bioenergin. Rapporten skrivs på engelska fr att mjlig- gra en mer omfattande resultatspridning och nå en bredare publik.
    [Show full text]
  • The Optimality of Using Marginal Land for Bioenergy Crops: Tradeoffs Between Food, Fuel, and Environmental Services Adriana M
    Economics Publications Economics 8-2016 The Optimality of Using Marginal Land for Bioenergy Crops: Tradeoffs between Food, Fuel, and Environmental Services Adriana M. Valcu-Lisman Iowa State University, [email protected] Catherine L. Kling Iowa State University, [email protected] Philip W. Gassman Iowa State University, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: http://lib.dr.iastate.edu/econ_las_pubs Part of the Agricultural and Resource Economics Commons, Agricultural Economics Commons, Economics Commons, and the Water Resource Management Commons The ompc lete bibliographic information for this item can be found at http://lib.dr.iastate.edu/ econ_las_pubs/134. For information on how to cite this item, please visit http://lib.dr.iastate.edu/ howtocite.html. This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Economics at Iowa State University Digital Repository. It has been accepted for inclusion in Economics Publications by an authorized administrator of Iowa State University Digital Repository. For more information, please contact [email protected]. The Optimality of Using Marginal Land for Bioenergy Crops: Tradeoffs between Food, Fuel, and Environmental Services Abstract We assess empirically how agricultural lands should be used to produce the highest valued outputs, which include food, energy, and environmental goods and services. We explore efficiency tradeoffs associated with allocating land between food and bioenergy and use a set of market prices and nonmarket environmental values to value the outputs produced by those crops. We also examine the degree to which using marginal land for energy crops is an approximately optimal rule. Our empirical results for an agricultural watershed in Iowa show that planting energy crops on marginal land is not likely to yield the highest valued output.
    [Show full text]