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Bioenergy

FAQs

Learn more about bioenergy below. 

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WHAT IS BIOENERGY?

 

 

Bioenergy is energy produced by converting plant or animal biomass into energy. Since the dawn of time humans have gathered around the fire for cooking and warmth, and bioenergy is still the main source of energy for a vast amout of the world´s population.

WHAT ARE COMMON SOURCES OF BIOENERGY?

 

  • Firewood, chips, bark, pellets, briquettes, lignin and alcohols from forestry and forest industry.

 

  • Straw, cow manure, energy forest, plant oils and alcohols from agriculture and agro-industry.

 

  • Organic waste from the food industry, households and biomass ­based industry.

 

  • Globally, there is a considerable surplus of biomass which may be utilized for energy purposes. Such consumption would not interfere with the requirement for raw materials for food and manufacturing, as long as it is based on the abovementioned sources.

WHAT ENVIRONMENTAL ADVANTAGES DOES BIOENERGY OFFER?

 

The advantages are many, but most importantly bioenergy is a renewable energy source. It also offers a very low net supply of Co2, minimal emission of SO2, reduced emission of NOx if modern technologies are used, modern combustion technology gives low emission of particles and soot and recycling of organic wastes.

 

 

WHY DO WE NEED BIOENERGY?

 

  • Today 80 % of world energy consumption is based on not renewable sources; mainly oil, coal and gas. The need is great for clean and renewable sources.

 

  • The use of bio-, wind and solar energy as well as hydroelectric power has to be increased at the expense of fossils, if global objectives for climate and environment are to be reached. In the longer term, this will be of great significance for the development of our society, both economically and ecologically. 

 

  • ​​The agricultural community has the potential for making its contribution towards a reduced consumption of non-renewable energy by using some of its products for the production of energy – bioenergy.

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WHAT ARE USUAL CONSUMPTION AREAS?

 

  • Firewood and pellets for heating in smaller fireplaces.

 

  • Chips, bark and straw in larger bioheat plants.

 

  • Refined biofuel in smaller and larger boilers.

 

  • Biogas from manure and organic waste for the production of electricity and heat.

 

  • Biodiesel, bioethanol and biogas for transport purposes.

 

HOW CAN BIOENERGY HELP THE LOCAL COMMUNITY? 

 

Bioenergy is a local source of energy. Increased use of bioenergy will stimulate regional economic development and employment – offering employment also after the initial investment phase.

 

More effective use of bioenergy can also improve several health aspects for communities that depend on solid biomass. An improved cooking stove can bring benefits such as reduced workload and less hazardous smoke indoors.

WANT TO LEARN MORE?

 

To read the latest research on bioenergy, click on our research button in the top menu. 

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