LIFE

Bioeconomy strategies (Book Chapter)

Publication from Life
Klimaneutrale Energiesysteme und Lebensstile

Hess J.R., Lamers P., Stichnothe H., Beermann M

Developing the Global Bioeconomy - Technical, Market, and Environmental Lessons from Bioenergy Chapter 1, 2016

Abstract:

Facing a shortage of petrochemicals in the long term, biomass is expected to be the main future feedstock for chemicals, including liquid transportation fuels. Currently, biomass is mainly used for food, feed, and material purposes; only a small fraction is used in energy conversion (ie, heating/cooling, power, or transport fuels). The “bioeconomy” has been referred to as the set of economic activities that relate to the invention, development, production and use of biological products and processes. The transition from an economy based on fossil raw materials to a bioeconomy, obtaining its raw materials from renewable biological resources requires concerted efforts by international institutions, national governments, and industry sectors, and prompts for the development of bioeconomy policy strategies. However, there is still little understanding on how current markets will transition towards a national and essentially global bioeconomy. This joint analysis brings together expertise from three IEA Bioenergy subtasks: Task 34 on Pyrolysis, Task 40 on International Trade and Markets, and Task 42 on Biorefineries. The underlying hypothesis is that bioeconomy market developments can benefit from lessons learned and developments observed in bioenergy markets. The question is not only how the bioeconomy can be developed, but also how it can be developed sustainably in terms of economic and environmental concerns. The strength of bringing three IEA Bioenergy subtasks into this analysis is found in each task’s area of expertise. Tasks 34 and 42 identify the types of biorefineries that are expected to be implemented and the types of feedstock that may be used. Task 40 provides complementary work including a historical analysis of the developments of biopower and biofuel markets, integration opportunities into existing supply chains, and the conditions that would need to be created and enhanced to achieve a biomass supply system supporting a global bioeconomy.

Keywords: Bioeconomy, biobased economy, bioenergy, IEA Bioenergy

Url: https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-805165-8.00001-X