Bioenergy. New growth for Germany

Dec 2004

Renewable energies are good for the climate – that’s why the German Government wants to double their use by 2010, compared with 2000: for electricity, to 12.5%, and to 4% of its primary energy. More ambitious goals are possible in the long run – by the year 2030, renewables could cover almost one quarter of Germany’s energy demands. As biomass would provide the lion’s share of that – even more than coal – a rediscovered source of energy steps into the limelight.
Already today, energy is being produced from biomass: predominantly in heating with forest wood in fireplaces at home, and in the use of by-products in
large power plants, e. g., from the timber industry. In comparison, the potentials of agriculture, forestry, and waste management have hardly been developed, and could sustainably provide much more than they do now. There are good arguments to use these available supplies: bioenergy relieves the strain on the environment, creates jobs and strengthens regional economies. What importance will biomass have in the future supplying of our energy? Which technologies will catch on? What costs will its development have and how greatly will it effect the environment and employment?
The Biomass Material-Flow Analysis (MFA) Project researchers have found answers to these questions and have looked ahead to the year 2030. This brochure describes the most important findings and provides policy recommendations.

By: Oeko Institute

 
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