Title:
Transformation Paths to a Low-carbon Bioeconomy in Austria
Author(s):
Kalt, G., Baumann, M., Höher, M., Kranzl, L., Lauk, C., Lexer, M.J., Schaumberger, A., Schaumberger, J., Schipfer, F., Schriefl, E.
Document(s):
Paper
Abstract:
The economic and societal challenges related to a significant reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and establishing a bioeconomy are considerable, and it is necessary to gain a clear view of how a transformation can be accomplished. There is currently little knowledge on the feasibility and implications of such a transformation on a national level and the possible contribution of domestic biomass resources. In this work, a modeling approach for developing integrated transformation scenarios is presented. It is implemented in the optimization environment TIMES and comprises a complete representation of the Austrian energy system, the forest sector, agricultural land use and production, the livestock sector, food supply and demand. The model is basically intended to represent all relevant material and energy flows between these sectors. The core objective is to develop integrated scenarios and identify efficient GHG mitigation options. This paper presents exemplary simulation results for the case of Austria, developed with a preliminary model version. Besides a Reference scenario (RS), the following alternative scenarios (AS) are presented: AS1 AgriBioenergy is based on the assumptions of high yield increases and other measures to increase agricultural bioenergy production. It shows a development where large shares of arable land become available for energy crop production or short rotation plantations. AS2 ForestBioenergy illustrates that the net GHG effect of increased wood removals from forests for the purpose of energy production is initially negative, as carbon stocks become lower than in the RS. Only after about three decades, the net GHG effect becomes positive in this scenario. AS3 MaterialSubstitution illustrates that substituting carbon-intensive materials with long-lived wood products is a highly efficient way of GHG mitigation.
Keywords:
greenhouse gases (GHG), bionergy, biobased economy, low-carbon economy, scenarios, optimization model
Topic:
Biomass Policies, Markets and Sustainability
Subtopic:
Resource efficient bioeconomy
Event:
23rd European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
4DO.1.1
Pages:
1407 - 1415
ISBN:
978-88-89407-516
Paper DOI:
10.5071/23rdEUBCE2015-4DO.1.1
Price:
FREE
