INTRODUCTION: SOCIOECONOMIC ASPECTS OF BIOMASS CONVERSION - Biomass as a Sustainable Energy Source for the Future - page 30

CHAPTER SUMMARY AND STUDY GUIDE

This chapter describes the global energy situation in terms of expected population
development, associated demand for energy supply, and implications of energy
supply schemes on the environmental development. A major issue in this respect is
climate change, which has been recognized to be partly induced by man

s activities
involving utilization of fossil fuels. The GHG effect is described and ways to mitigate
its extent. Ways to establish sustainable development include energy savings, utiliza-
tion of renewable energy sources and clean fossil, and nuclear energy usage. Regard-
ing the second aspect, bioenergy as part of a sustainable energy mix is dealt with in
this topic. At present, biomass is again valued as an important contributor to secure
and clean energy supply and is expected to form a substantial part of the (near) future
energy mix. Types of biomass sources and their potential are discussed. In addition,
aspects of economy, social context, and environmental impact of biomass for energy
supply are illustrated and discussed.

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KEY CONCEPTS

Primary energy demand, different scenarios
Population development
Relevant emissions from energy conversion processes
Global warming
Greenhouse gas effect
GHG emission mitigation strategies
Sustainability (economics, social aspects, and environmental impact) criteria
Trias Energetica
Biomass availability
Biomass source types
Conversion processes

SHORT-ANSWER QUESTIONS

1.1 How can modern biomass-to-energy conversion technologies mitigate poverty

as compared to traditional biomass processing (heating/cooking)?

1.2 Which factors limit the RP ratio as a factor to predict how long a fossil energy
will be available?

1.3 Explain in your own words the greenhouse effect and the human contribution

to it.

1.4 Why is CO 2 the most important anthropogenic source of all greenhouse gases?
1.5

Explain why naturally occurring fires to some extent contribute to carbon
sequestration.