Abstract
In this study, we present a model for the implementation of agro-energy chains based on the actual availability of forest biomass and the real demand for energy (heat) in the area of the Basilicata region, Italy. The demand for energy has been estimated by drawing on the database of the Ministry of Economic Development or by calculating the Annual Energy Requirement (AER) index, while for the estimate of the available forest biomass, reference was made to the public forest lands managed according to forestry management plans. The collected data were cross-checked with a view to detecting the technical and economic feasibility of district heating systems. The technical evaluation has mainly focused on the energetic and plant aspects, while the economic assessment was directed to defining the cost effectiveness criteria [Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), Payback Period] that can measure the profitability of the investment. In the economic evaluation we also included the national public incentives, designed to encourage the production of energy from renewable sources in compliance with the international agreements signed by Italy for the reduction of greenhouse gases (GHGs).
Highlights
IntroductionThe energy market is experiencing profound changes as a result of the liberalization process, the tensions in the oil markets and the impulse given to the production of energy from renewable sources.In particular, the actions and the emission reduction obligations entered into force with Italy’s ratification of the Kyoto Protocol (the implementation of which should have ended in 2012) are expected to continue until 2020 without major changes; this is the outcome of the last climate summit held in Doha, Qatar, which gave birth to the second phase, known as Kyoto 2, in view of an international agreement for 2020.The forecasts proposed in the last report, “OECD Environmental Outlook to 2050” [1] point out an80% increase in energy consumption by 2050; the expected population growth from seven billion to nine billion, combined with the quadrupling of global gross domestic product (GDP), will result in an increased energy use and a rise in CO2 concentration, which is expected to reach 685 ppm by 2050.The consequences of these trends will be mainly reflected in the annual mean temperature that is projected to rise by three to six degrees [1] or by four degrees by the end of the 21st century according to the latest scenarios presented by the World Bank [2], as compared to the pre-industrial times. it is crucial to implement proactive policies aimed at improving energy use efficiency, by allocating new and increasingly large areas to alternative and renewable energy sources, reducing pollution and the impact of human activities on the environment.In the framework of renewable energy sources (RES), biomasses are perhaps the most striking example of growth factor related to the green economy, which tends to combine the return on investment with beneficial impacts in terms of land protection, sustainable management of agroforestry resources, startup of new enterprises in the area, etc
In the framework of renewable energy sources (RES), biomasses are perhaps the most striking example of growth factor related to the green economy, which tends to combine the return on investment with beneficial impacts in terms of land protection, sustainable management of agroforestry resources, startup of new enterprises in the area, etc
To characterize the bio-energetic supply, we considered the municipal forests currently provided with forest management plans (FMPs), assuming the recovery of all of forest residues and a maximum of 50% of the annual allowable cut so as to leave the remaining part for normal uses that are largely focused on the firewood market (Figure 3)
Summary
The energy market is experiencing profound changes as a result of the liberalization process, the tensions in the oil markets and the impulse given to the production of energy from renewable sources.In particular, the actions and the emission reduction obligations entered into force with Italy’s ratification of the Kyoto Protocol (the implementation of which should have ended in 2012) are expected to continue until 2020 without major changes; this is the outcome of the last climate summit held in Doha, Qatar, which gave birth to the second phase, known as Kyoto 2, in view of an international agreement for 2020.The forecasts proposed in the last report, “OECD Environmental Outlook to 2050” [1] point out an80% increase in energy consumption by 2050; the expected population growth from seven billion to nine billion, combined with the quadrupling of global gross domestic product (GDP), will result in an increased energy use and a rise in CO2 concentration, which is expected to reach 685 ppm by 2050.The consequences of these trends will be mainly reflected in the annual mean temperature that is projected to rise by three to six degrees [1] or by four degrees by the end of the 21st century according to the latest scenarios presented by the World Bank [2], as compared to the pre-industrial times. it is crucial to implement proactive policies aimed at improving energy use efficiency, by allocating new and increasingly large areas to alternative and renewable energy sources, reducing pollution and the impact of human activities on the environment.In the framework of renewable energy sources (RES), biomasses are perhaps the most striking example of growth factor related to the green economy, which tends to combine the return on investment with beneficial impacts in terms of land protection, sustainable management of agroforestry resources, startup of new enterprises in the area, etc. 80% increase in energy consumption by 2050; the expected population growth from seven billion to nine billion, combined with the quadrupling of global gross domestic product (GDP), will result in an increased energy use and a rise in CO2 concentration, which is expected to reach 685 ppm by 2050 The consequences of these trends will be mainly reflected in the annual mean temperature that is projected to rise by three to six degrees [1] or by four degrees by the end of the 21st century according to the latest scenarios presented by the World Bank [2], as compared to the pre-industrial times. In contrast to the solar and wind energy investments, which are typically capital intensive, highly profitable and low labor intensive, biomasses, due to their extreme diversification (by sector of origin of the raw material) and their strong link with the territory may generate positive impacts at the local level, in terms of employment, land care and maintenance and optimal use of agro-forestry resources
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