Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Germany can be used as an example showing the possible development. Between
1997 and 2007 the biomass share of end energy demand in Germany tripled and
now makes up more than 5% of the total energy demand (Figure 12.22).
180
electricity
heat
bioethanol
vegetable oil
biodiesel
biological waste
160
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
Figure 12.22
Development of biomass use in end energy supply in Germany.
Data: (German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety, 2007).
12.9 Outlook and Development Potential
As the economies of the developing countries grow, the contribution of traditional
biomass sources to their energy supply will fall. On the other hand, high oil prices
and pressure to act on environmental protection measures will drive the use of
modern biomass. Biomass is capable of directly replacing fossil energy sources
without needing other technologies to do so. However, the potential of biofuels is
not suffi cient to replace oil completely. Furthermore, the eco-balance of some
biofuels is hotly disputed. There are also ethical concerns about the growing
competition with food production. BtL fuels and biogas could be an alternative on
a smaller scale.
Biomass power plants will become increasingly important in meeting electricity
demand, not least because these plants are able to compensate for some of the major
fl uctuations in output provided by wind turbine and photovoltaic systems. Biomass
will also play a bigger role in providing heat energy. It will therefore remain one
of the most interesting renewable energy sources for the future. Throughout the
industrialized countries biomass has the potential to achieve a double-digit share of
energy supply. Further developments in modern fi ltering systems are needed to
address the problem of harmful substances and fi ne dust in biomass burning.
However, special attention should be given to the sustainable use of biomass raw
materials. This is the only way in which it can make a noticeable contribution
towards protecting the climate.
