Technology Status - NET Nowak Energie & Technologie AG

112
● Environment
Environmental issues for bioenergy include land and soil use, transport,
particulates and emissions:
● Emissions and particulates: The life cycle of biomass is neutral regarding
CO 2 emissions, even when fossil fuels are used in harvesting and
transporting biofeedstocks. Biomass also offers the possibilities of closed
mineral and nitrogen cycles. Environmentally hazardous sulphur dioxide
(SO 2 ), which is produced during combustion of fossil fuels, is not a major
problem in biomass systems due to the low sulphur content of biomass
(< 1% compared to 1-5% for coal). The incomplete combustion of fuel
wood produces organic particulate matter, carbon monoxide and other
organic gases. If high-temperature combustion is used, nitrogen oxides
are produced.
● Energy crops: Crops grown especially for energy production need to be
researched, not only to maximise yield, but also to determine their effects
on soil depletion and the effects of the use of fertilisers in the process.
● Waste: Using waste for energy production makes sense, but should be
used in conjunction with waste reduction programmes. An additional
environmental benefit from the use of residues such as municipal solid
waste and slurry is that these polluting substances are eliminated
from landfills.
● Transport and energy balance: Biomass has a relatively low energy
density compared to fossil fuels. Fuel transport increases its costs and
reduces net energy production. Locating the energy conversion process
close to a concentrated source of biomass, such as a saw mill, sugar mill
or pulp mill, lowers transport distances and costs. The production and
processing of biomass can require significant energy input, such as fuel
for agricultural vehicles and fertilisers. Biomass processes need to
minimise the use of energy-intensive and fossil fuel-based inputs, and to
maximise waste conversion and energy recovery.
● Land and water resources: The use of land and water for biomass
production may compete with other uses.
BIOPOWER X5