Potential Bioenergy Options in Developed and Developing Countries

Plant –based energy production (energy crops, forest growth) and residue and waste based fuels can substitute fossil fuels in a sustainable and environmental friendly way. In this study, bioenergy includes bio-resources that can be potentially used for modern energy production. Modern bioenergy options offer significant, cost-effective and perpetual opportunities for greenhouse gas emission reductions. It can also significantly contribute to sustainable development both in developed and less developed countries, provided that all issues related to its practical exploitation are carefully considered. Bioenergy potential is assessed using three categories: bioenergy from dedicated energy crops, surplus natural forest growth and biomass from residues and wastes. Review shows that bioenergy can supply more than 60% of the global energy demand in 2050 with less environmental impacts. Advancement of bioenergy Production and conversion technologies can are the main constraints to attain the estimated global bioenergy share in the future. Keywords: Bioenergy, potential, climate policy, bioenergy conversion technologies, environmental impacts, developing and developed countries Ethiopian Journal of Environmental Studies and Management Vol. 1 (3) 2008: pp. 40-5