ABSTRACT

The development of bioenergy offers major possibilities for the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and fossil fuel dependency. It may also, however, cause unintended negative impacts; for example, it can affect existing land-use patterns, food production, or biodiversity. This offers a dilemma for policy makers, who need to determine how to promote sustainable ways of bioenergy development to replace fossil fuel use without jeopardising other policy objectives. Many studies have identified agricultural and industrial biomass residues as promising feedstocks that bring fewer risks with respect to competition for food or affecting natural resources. The amount of residues available for energy production, the way in which they should be converted, and the form emerging bioenergy chains can take remains to be determined.