"Optimal" use of biomass for energy in Europe: Consideration based upon the value of biomass for CO2 emission reduction

Europe is struggling to reduce its CO2 emissions and to fulfil commitments made according to Kyoto protocol. At the same time, Europe does not possess enough fossil energy resources to cover its needs and thus consumption of imported fossil fuels is growing, placing threats upon economic stability. In order to combat these challenges, renewable energy sources and biomass in particular are expected to be wider spread and play a more significant role in Europe's energy mix in the future. A wide choice of biomass sources is available to pursue- as are a range of conversion mechanisms. Biomass fuel chains contain, as the main steps, feedstock production, feedstock processing and the use of final product. The number of possible conversion routes gives different possibilities of carbon emission reduction with different contribution to security of energy supply. Installation and production costs also vary among the options. So, the question about "optimal" allocation of biomass pursuing carbon emission reduction is arising. This thesis examines biomass utilisation in the energy sector for heat, electricity and liquid biofuel production. The study reveals the policy options that exist to support a biomass allocation that can be considered as the most desirable