Approaches to Assessing Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Potential.pptVIP

Biomass and Bioenergy Approaches to Assessing Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Potential Carly Green Introduction What is biomass? Why calculate GHG benefits The Carbon Cycle Options for biomass How are GHG benefits calculated Life Cycle Analysis Case Studies What is biomass? Accumulates in living vegetation following photosynthesis Important pool in the carbon cycle Exists in many forms Contributes to other pools within the global system The Carbon Budget Greenhouse gas mitigation options Fuel for Energy Dedicated Sources (i.e. by-products of other activities) Dependant Sources (i.e. energy crops grown specifically for food) Carbon Sink Wood Products Fuel for Energy Long use history (i.e. centuries) Currently contributes 14% to the global energy requirements More efficient use through modern technology Solid liquid and gas Capable of replacing all fossil fuel energy forms Fuel for Energy (cont.) Carbon Sink Recent Policy has focused on this option Kyoto Protocol Article 3.3 Increase carbon stock in various pools Aboveground / belowground and soil Time Dependant Land use change Carbon Stock Dynamics Wood Products Product replacement Sink Fuel at end of life Why calculate GHG benefits Analyse potential Quantify benefits Compare options Quality decision Life cycle analysis considerations Constraints Must compare systems within same system boundary Bioenergy Case Study 1 Bioenergy Case Study 2a Ethanol production in Brazil vs United States Potential CO2 emissions avoided Brazil 5.6 MtC/yr United States 0.59 MtC/yr Bioenergy Bioenergy output to fossil energy input Forestry and agriculture (25-50 : 1) Liquid energy (4-5 : 1) Source: Marland, 1999 Bioenergy Case Study 2b Canada: Total Forest Ecosystem Carbon Modelling (1920 - 1995) Case Study - Sink Typical radiata pine regime Case Study – Wood Products 1 kilometre of transmission line Life 60 years Including disposal Case Study – Wood Products Preferential Use The second option is incr