This paper analyses how energy from biomass could be substituted for fossil energies. As a first step, we have to define different types of bioenergy and fossil energies. After this we will take a look at energetic assessments of concepts for the substitution of fossil energies and how complicated such evaluations can be.
Then we will analyse possibilities and limits of biogas as substitute for coal and natural gas used in the power generation and biofuels as substitute for diesel fuel and gasoline. Both of these applications are already in use so we can take a look at their benefits and drawback. We will analyse their environmental impact, their costs, and their potential to meet the actual and the future energy demand.
Renewable energies include energy by biomass. Could biomass be an alternative for fossil fuels? There are a lot of different ways how bioenergy can be produced and used. The use of energy from biomass is much older than from fossil fuels. It was not until the 20th century that fossil fuels in particular mineral oil started to dominate the world’s energy market.
The oldest and best-known example of using energy from biomass is the burning ofwood. Beside wood and other energy crops there is also the possibility of using biological residues to produce energy. This can be done by transforming the biomass into biogas to use it in power plants. But what about liquid fuels?
We cannot drive our cars with wood. It is possible to drive with biogas but almost the whole transport sector relies on liquid fuels. One idea is the substitution of fossil fuels with biofuels. For a few years biofuels has been used in Germany, but is the use of biofuels really better for our environment? And is it possible to substitute fossil fuels completely?
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Theoretical background
2.1 The sources of our energy
2.2 What are fossil energies?
2.3 What is bioenergy?
3. Practical feasibility
3.1 Biogas as substitute for natural gas and coal in the power generation
3.2 Biofuels as substitute for fossil fuels in the transport sector
4. Conclusion
5. References
Research Objectives and Themes
This paper examines the feasibility of substituting conventional fossil energy sources with bioenergy, specifically focusing on the current possibilities, limits, and environmental implications of using biomass for power generation and transportation fuels.
- Analysis of global energy demand in the context of population growth.
- Evaluation of fossil energy dependency and its environmental impact.
- Technical and economic assessment of biogas as a coal/natural gas substitute.
- Investigation into the potential and limitations of liquid biofuels.
- Review of sustainability challenges regarding food supply and land use.
Excerpt from the Book
3.1 Biogas as substitute for natural gas and coal in the power generation
The world’s electricity is mainly produced in coal- or gas-fired power plants and in nuclear power plants (OECD, 2012, p. 132). In figure 2 we saw that there are different possibilities to produce electricity (power). Now we will take a closer look at the use of biogas as substitute for coal or natural gas to produce electricity. Biogas mainly consists of methane and carbon dioxide and can be made out of nearly all organic substances through anaerobic degradation (Chum et al., 2011, p. 280). The possibility to use energy crops as well as biological residues like liquid manure or other waste is a first big advantage (Rode et al., 2005, p. 19). Because of this it is not necessary to use food, which can avoid competition for farmland.
Electricity made by biogas has great potential (Rode, 2005, p. 21), the strongest potential of the renewable energies (Nitsch, 2007, p. 32). For the year 2020 Nitsch (2007, p. 32) predicts an increase from now 3 TWh/a to 16 TWh/a. However, compared to the power that is produced by gas or coal it is not enough to meet the actual demand, so that other renewable resources (e. g. wind energy) are needed in addition (Nitsch, 2007, p. 34). That implies that in the production of electricity biogas cannot be substitute for fossil energies alone but maybe it can be used in a mix with other renewable energies (Nitsch, 2007, p. 34).
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Discusses the necessity of finding energy alternatives due to rising global population, limited fossil resources, and the environmental impact of climate change.
2. Theoretical background: Defines primary energy sources, clarifies the terms bioenergy and fossil energies, and examines their respective environmental and economic characteristics.
3. Practical feasibility: Analyzes the real-world application of biogas for electricity and biofuels for transport, including their efficiency, costs, and sustainability.
4. Conclusion: Summarizes that while bioenergy offers a pathway to reduce CO2 emissions, it cannot currently fully replace fossil fuels, necessitating a balanced and efficient energy strategy.
Keywords
Bioenergy, Fossil Energies, Biomass, Biogas, Biofuels, Power Generation, Renewable Energy, CO2 Emission, Sustainability, Energy Substitution, Natural Gas, Coal, Transport Sector, Climate Change, Feedstock
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary scope of this work?
The paper examines the potential of substituting fossil fuels with bioenergy sources, specifically looking at power generation and the transport sector.
What are the key thematic areas addressed?
The document covers the theoretical definitions of energy types, an analysis of biogas as a power source, and an evaluation of liquid biofuels for transportation.
What is the central research question?
The core inquiry explores whether bioenergy can serve as a viable, sustainable, and economically feasible substitute for fossil fuels to meet increasing global energy demands.
Which scientific methods are employed?
The research relies on literature analysis, comparative assessment of energy efficiencies, evaluation of CO2 emission data, and reviews of existing policy frameworks.
What does the main body focus on?
The main body assesses practical applications, comparing energy yields, production costs, and environmental impacts of biomass versus traditional fossil fuels.
Which keywords best describe this study?
Key terms include Bioenergy, Sustainability, Fossil Energies, Biogas, Biofuels, and CO2 reduction.
How does biogas compare to coal in power generation?
Biogas offers significantly lower CO2 emissions per kWh, especially when utilizing combined heat and power (CHP) systems, although it is currently more expensive to produce.
Why is the substitution of gasoline with bio-ethanol limited?
Current technical limitations restrict the blending of bio-ethanol with conventional gasoline to approximately 10% in the transport sector.
What is the author's stance on food-based energy crops?
The author expresses concern regarding the competition between energy crop production and food supply, advocating for the use of waste materials and residuals instead.
- Citar trabajo
- Daniel Sigmund (Autor), 2014, The possibilities and limits of substituting fossil energies by bioenergy, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/321275
