Energy from biomass
Biomass will play a more important role in Europe. The European Commission considers a bio-based economy as one of its priorities, because fossil raw materials are being depleted and nuclear energy is controversial (EC, 2012). It is therefore not surprising that interest in the use of biomass has increased enormously in recent years.
The question of whether energy from biomass is sustainable depends on certain conditions: the biomass must be sustainably harvested, must not harm biodiversity (e.g. monotonous fields with energy crops, deforestation, etc.) and must not compete with the food production.
Biomass from forests and wood processing industries​
Description​
Wood is an important source of biomass for energy. An important note here is that these flows are harvested sustainably. Branches and top wood from sustainable forest management are also increasingly finding their way to local power stations in Belgium. The management of landscapes can annually produce approximately 77,000 m³ of woody material from tree rows, hedges, wood edges, etc. (OVAM 2017)
Residual flows from the wood processing industry are an important source of biomass. It is currently not possible to easily allocate these flows to specific areas.
Qualitative valuation​
Method developed in ECOPLAN research project. Expected in NWV in 2023
Quantitative and monetary valuation​
Method developed in ECOPLAN research project. Expected in NWV in 2023
Biomass from agriculture and food processing industries​
The production of biomass for energy in agriculture is indirectly included in the ecosystem service "agricultural production". We assume standard yield figures for grassland and cropland. We do not specifically include energy crops because agricultural registration does not allow a distinction to be made between whether a particular crop is used for food or energy generation. Moreover, it should be noted that growing energy crops should not jeopardize food production. Something that must be taken into account in the energy debate, but also in the debate on food security.
Residual flows from the food processing industry are also an important source of biomass. Here it is currently not possible to allocate these flows to a specific area.
Biomass residual flows​
Description​
The production and valorization options of other biomass from nature for energy are currently limited, but can play a role locally. First, there is a logistical limitation. To limit damage to the soil structure as much as possible, it is urged that harvesting takes place with the lightest possible material (8 m³ loader wagons). These vehicles are also not allowed to follow the same path more than twice. These requirements mean that few farmers either have the suitable equipment or are willing to work under these conditions. Secondly, there is a contractual restriction. Managers of nature reserves want to retain the freedom to adapt management to new insights, which means that long-term purchase contracts are less common. Third, there is an organizational limitation. In many cases, harvesting is done by volunteers, which means that harvesting takes place when they are available, not when the weather conditions are most favorable. In addition, mowing is often done late because of breeding birds or seed setting of plants. These cuttings are not very energy-rich to use in fermentation.
Given the limited valorization at this time, no methods are provided to value this service.
By way of illustration, we indicate how this could be calculated for the use of mown grass. This exercise was done in 2012. So it could be that the conclusion no longer applies due to increased energy prices. There are currently numerous projects underway to see how this valorization can happen.
Illustration: mown grass as an energy source​
For the illustration, we refer to the Dutch version of the manual.