Biomass for energy production in the context of selected European and international policy objectives

Biomass based energy production has attained a significant market share within the developing renewable energy market. In comparison to alternative renewable energy sources, biomass has several special features: it is not inexhaustible in the short term (limitation of arable land) and it is not only an energy source. Other usages like food or feed compete with energy production for this resource. A number of problems arise which have a direct impact on the fulfillment of policy objectives which are connected with its promotion. Primarily, the production of bioenergy has significant impacts on coupled biomass markets. Further, a change in production intensity or arable land use increases the use of nutrient loads and agro - chemicals. When evaluating renewable energy production, the wide range of political objectives has to be considered. Therefore, the focus of the overall study will be on three objective areas: promotion of the agricultural sector, environmental protection (reduction of GHG emissions) and maintenance of food supply security. The objective of this study is to combine an analysis of selected economic and ecological impacts of an increased biomass based energy production (primarily biofuels) under the assumption of European and international quantity targets by adjusting and applying the agricultural sector model CAPRI (Common Agricultural Policy Regional Impact Analysis). This poster intends to display the methodical approach of the intended analysis