Improving woodfuel governance in Burkina Faso: The experts' assessment

AREVALO J. 2016. Improving woodfuel governance in Burkina Faso: The experts' assesment. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews Volume 57, May 2016, Pages 1398–1408 doi:10.1016/j.rser.2015.12.178. 

Over 80% of Sub-Saharan population depend on woodfuels as their main energy source, mainly firewood and charcoal. In Burkina Faso, despite the absence of reliable studies, this dependency is expected to continue and even increase in the next decades. With some of the highest annual population increments and lowest indexes of human development in the world, Burkina Faso is also among the most vulnerable countries to climate change. This study examines the challenges of governance, production and use of woodfuels in Burkina Faso on the basis of an extensive literature review and the views elicited through 13 in-depth interviews with local experts. With poverty as the underlying driver, agricultural expansion is identified as the principle driver of deforestation, followed by woodfuel production. Intensification of agriculture, agroforestry practices and promotion of on non-timber forest product businesses are some of the key opportunities recognised. While decentralisation is seen as an opportunity for sustainable resource management, the lack of resources, unclear tenure regime and corruption need to be urgently addressed. An improved management system in the Forest Management Units is also needed to avoid forest degradation. The 20 concrete recommendations made in the study should be further investigated for their consideration in a future wood energy strategy.

ScienceDirect [link]
ResearchGate [link]

Firewood truck bound to Ouagadougou

Stakeholders’ Perceptions of Bioenergy: Global policy implications

HALDER, P., AREVALO J., MOLA-YUDEGO, B. GRITTEN, D. 2015. Stakeholders’ perceptions of bioenergy- global coverage and policy implications. In: Reddy BS and Ulgiati S (Eds.), Energy Security and Development – The Global Context and Indian Perspectives. pp. 377-391. Springer. ISBN: 978-81-322-2064-0. doi:10.1007/978-81-322-2065-7_25

Abstract
Development of bioenergy systems is gaining momentum globally and bioenergy stakeholders are numerous and their perceptions are diverse. The study explored perceptions of bioenergy stakeholders by reviewing scholarly literature and complementing and validating them against primary data. The number of publications on stakeholders’ perceptions of bioenergy is increasing while geographical focus and stakeholder analysis vary considerably. Among the stakeholders, biomass producers, public, and experts are widely studied groups while the least explored are students and private developers. The majority of the studies have been conducted in North America and Europe, which indicate the importance of bioenergy in their energy policies and the role of stakeholders to influence bioenergy development in those countries. The study found that the stakeholders’ perceptions of bioenergy were not uniform and varied considerably even within a particular stakeholder group. More support for second- and third-generation biofuels is apparent compared to corn-based ethanol production. Factors such as age, gender, education, income level, and land ownership appear to influence stakeholders’ perceptions of bioenergy. The paper recommends raising awareness of bioenergy among different stakeholders and involving them while planning future bioenergy projects to improve their perceptions of bioenergy and reduce the chances of opposition. There is also a need for enhancing collaboration between renewable energy and educational policies so that young students become aware of bioenergy and can act as agents of change in our quest for renewable energies.

Springer [link]
ResearchGate [link]

Substituting fossil fuel by biofuels: an economic model perspective from the Nordic region

Substituting fossil fuels by more environmentally friendly alternatives requires the use of several economic tools that include taxes and subsidies. However, their efficient use implies several challenges: How to measure quantitatively the impact of those tools in the substitution process? This recent publication aims at exploring the effects of these external factors that regulators can use for the promotion and establishment of forest-based fuels, by using a theoretical model for the Nordic sphere.

KHANAM T, MATERO J, MOLA-YUDEGO B, SIKANEN L, RAHMAN, A. 2014. Assessing external factors on substitution of fossil fuel by biofuels: model perspective from the Nordic region. Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change. doi:  10.1007/s11027-014-9608-x

Abstract
The aim of this study is to develop a theoretical model by which to demonstrate how taxes and subsidies work as external factors to substitute fossil fuel by a forest-based biofuel. For biofuels, this study predominantly considers solid-form biomass that generates electricity; for fossil fuels, it considers coal. The model results explicated with three states by using various numeric values taken from the literature. Three states are as follows: a situation without a tax and subsidy, a situation with a biofuel subsidy, and a situation with a biofuel subsidy and a fossil fuel tax. The results of the first state exemplify current fuel market situation; those of the second indicate that the aggregate demand for biofuel has shifted upwards by around 15 % and that substitution has increased by around 18 % due to biofuel subsidies being offered. Under the third state, aggregate biofuel demand has shifted upwards by around 19 %, reduced the demand for fossil fuels by around 13 %, and increased substitution by around 31 %. This state relates to a greater sense of social welfare than other two states. It is conceivable that the joint application of taxes and subsidies will succour biofuel to supplant fossil fuel in the near future.

Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change at Springer Link [link]
ResearchGate [link]

How to introduce successfully energy crops?

How to introduce energy crops and get success? The journal Renewable Energy has recently published our paper on a framework for the introduction of energy crops. In this paper, we review the different steps linked to the introduction of short rotation plantations in Sweden during the last 30 years, and include a review of our previous work as well as other authors. The final result is a conceptual framework that displays the many inter-relations between different stakeholders as well as policy actors, and provides some ideas about how to proceed when new energy crops are considered. The sources include data from existing commercial plantations, results from experimental plots, the profile of farmers adopting the plantation systems, and a review of existing economic studies on profitability and the policy framework during the period studied.

MOLA-YUDEGO B, DIMITRIOU I, GONZALEZ-GARCIA S, GRITTEN D, ARONSSON P. 2014. A conceptual framework for the introduction of energy crops. Renewable Energy 72: 29-38. Doi: 10.1016/j.renene.2014.06.012

Highlights
•The paper analyses the introduction of willow plantations for energy in Sweden in 1986–2005.
•A framework is presented to identify factors and its inter-relations.
•The framework is based on a large pool of data of growers and plantations.
•Stable policies and long-term contracts are key elements for success.

Abstract
There is currently limited experience on the introduction of new commercial crops as a source of raw material for energy uses. The present paper analyses the introduction and development of commercial willow plantations in Sweden during the period 1986–2005. A general framework is constructed in order to identify all the factors and interrelations that can describe the introduction and expansion of willow as an alternative crop for the production of raw material for energy. The factors are identified and analysed based on a broad database of information from commercial plantations, covering almost all existing plantations, and on documents referring to existing academic literature or official reports. The analysis provides with lessons that can be useful for the introduction of new energy crops in other countries and shows the possible contradictions in policy applications. The analysis confirms that stable policies and long-term contracts reduce the uncertainties associated with the cultivation. The results of this study can be of value for other countries aiming at the introduction of new crops for bioenergy.

Renewable Energy at Science Direct [link]
ResearchGate [link]

Understanding bioenergy conflicts: Case of a jatropha project in Kenya’s Tana Delta

Increasing global demand for green energy from developed nations has recently triggered a bioenergy rush which is having effects across continents. Thus, large extensions of land have been recently bought or leased in places like Africa to make way for large-scale plantations for biofuel. The present paper examines a concrete bioenergy conflict in the context of the main renewable energy policies, as well as in consideration of governance initiatives aiming at the sustainability of these developments:

AREVALO J, OCHIENG R, MOLA-YUDEGO B, GRITTEN D. 2014. Understanding bioenergy conflicts: Case of a jatropha project in Kenya’s Tana Delta.  Land Use Policy 41 (2014) 138–148.

Abstract: In recent years, conflicts related to tenure, management and utilization of natural resources, in particular bioenergy conflicts, are becoming increasingly common. Many bioenergy conflicts are related to plan-tation projects seeking to capitalize on the opportunity to profit from a combination of factors, centredon the enabling environment for biofuel plantation establishment found in many developing countries.This study analyses these and other related issues in a conflict in the Tana Delta in Kenya. The conflictis centred on a proposed 65,000 ha Jatropha curcas plantation for biodiesel by the Canadian companyBedford. Ethical Analysis, a conflict management and research tool, was employed to better understandthe underlying conflict causes. Shortcomings in the technical feasibility studies and participatory plan-ning processes were revealed, including a poor understanding of the different interests and values withregard to land tenure and traditional rights. While the adoption of Free, Prior and Informed Consent(FPIC) is proposed, also capacities and the regulatory framework need to be strengthened to improvetransparency, coordination, impact assessment and investment security. The study proposes ways to manage the ongoing conflict and discusses its implications for bioenergy governance.

Keywords: Bioenergy governance, Ethical Analysis, Conflict management

Land Use Policy [link]
ResearchGate [link]

Can we get good quality timber from Eucalyptus? Coppice-with-standards plantations in Brazil

Eucalyptus plantations are a very important source for biomass. In recent years, there have been important developments increasing the efficiency of the production and at the same time diversifying the future uses of the wood, including timber. The present paper is reviewing some of the silvicultural treatments proposed and used in Brazil:

FERRAZ FILHO A, SCOLFORO J RS, MOLA-YUDEGO B. 2014. Coppice with standards silvicultural system applied to Eucalyptus plantations - a review. Journal of Forestry Research 25(2):237-248.


Abstract: We review the management of Eucalyptus species under a coppice-with-standards (CWS) silvicultural system. CWS management results in product diversification, permitting production of small and large scale timber from the same stand. Eucalyptus species are suitable candidates for CWS management because: there are large worldwide plantation areas, sprouting capacity is high, and eucalypts are multipurpose species. We discuss (1) short rotation Eucalyptus coppice management for energy and pulping and (2) Eucalyptus seedling management for solid wood products. We review the literature and discuss experiences with Eucalyptus managed under the CWS system. We also assess projects dealing with Eucalyptus coppice management, stand density regulation, pruning, and stand and wood quality. The growth environment of the standard trees (heavy competition up to the first harvest, free growth afterwards) coupled with long rotations (>20 years) results in high quality logs for solid wood products. Early pruning should be applied to enhance wood quality. We propose a system for the silvicultural management of Eucalyptus under the CWS system, elaborating on the consequences of initial planting density, site productivity, and standard tree densities as well as timing of basic silvicultural applications.

Keywords: stand density regulation, coppice management, pruning,  silvicultural system, stand production diversification, CWS

Journal of Forestry Research [link]
ResearchGate [link]

Developing forestry curricula: experiences from a Kenyan- Finnish project

The International Forestry Review journal has published our paper on forestry capacity development in Kenya. The paper details the process of the curriculum review undertaken at the University of Eldoret in collaboration with the University of Eastern Finland. The need analysis carried out revealed which were the subject-specific and generic competencies needing more attention, allowing for the prioritization of these areas in the review. Not surprisingly, among them was the area of bioenergy.

AREVALO, J., PITKÄNEN, S. & KIRONGO, B. 2014. Developing forestry curricula:experiences from a Kenyan-Finnish project. International Forestry Review, 16 (1) 78 86(9)


Abstract

In the context of the challenges that forestry education faces, the improvement of curricula to increase its attractiveness and address the changing needs of the society is imperative. With the aim of improving the forestry education offered at the University of Eldoret in Kenya, a joint project was carried out together with the University of Eastern Finland during 2011–2012. One of the tasks of the project was to revise the curriculum of the undergraduate programme in forestry. According to the needs assessment, the biggest gaps in subject-specific competencies were in areas such as forest information systems and forests and climate change, as well as in generic competencies such as computer skills. The need to update and expand contents (e.g. on dryland forestry) and learning methods (e.g. more practicals) clearly emerged. The proposed changes in the context of various initiatives to improve forestry education in Kenya and worldwide are discussed. 

Keywords

forestry education; curriculum development; competencies; employability

International Forestry Review Journal at Ingenta Connect [link]
ResearchGate [link]

Cradle-to-gate Life Cycle Assessment of forest operations

The journal Journal of Cleaner Production has published our paper on Life Cycle Assessment of forest operations in Europe. The paper review different operations mostly concerning plantations in different countries. The future use of plantations should focus also in the environmental effects of their management, in addition to the traditional focus on yield and profitability. This paper aims to set a common ground for comparison, despite the many and diverse management regimes that are used in plantations.

GONZÁLEZ-GARCÍA, FEIJOO G, MOREIRA M T, MOLA-YUDEGO B. 2014. Cradle-to-gate Life Cycle Assessment of forest operations in Europe. Environmental and Energy consequences. Journal of Cleaner Production. In Press. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2013.11.067.


Abstract

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) has become a common and standardized methodology to evaluate the environmental profiles of forest systems. In this study twelve different European forest systems dedicated to wood production for industrial or energy uses (maritime pine, spruce, willow, poplar and Douglas-fir) were compared in detail from environmental and energy points of view considering a cradle-to-gate perspective. The scenarios included the silviculture of these tree species in Sweden, Germany, France, Italy and Portugal. A database with inventory data was constructed for each scenario. The scenarios considered were standardized using the same methodological life cycle assumptions in order to establish comparisons for an overall analysis.

The results show a relatively wide range of variations in terms of biomass productivities as well as environmental and energy profiles. These variations depended on the tree species, management regime (different levels of fertilization, time of harvesting and intensity of forest operations) and the overall conditions of the location of the plantations. However, regardless of the scenario considered, operations related to logging such as harvesting and forwarding were identified as hotspots mainly due to the remarkable fuel requirement. Fertilization activities and fertilizer production (when required), thinning processes (when necessary) as well as weed control related processes reported also notable contributions to the categories under assessment.

If these twelve scenarios are compared with other similar studies for the same tree species, significant differences can be found which are mainly linked to different forest management regimes and regional characteristics.

The choice and the promotion of a specific forest biomass for industrial applications should not only depend on the biomass yield and the harvesting age but it should be also based on the intensity of forest practices since it considerably affects the environmental and energy profiles.

Keywords

Douglas-fir; Maritime pine; Norway spruce; Poplar; Wood biomass; Willow plantations




Journal of Cleaner Production at Science Direct [link]
ResearchGate [link]

Wood pellet production clusters

The journal Renewable Energy, has recently posted our latest paper on pellet production. The paper identifies the location of most of the major pellet producer plants in Europe, and makes a geo-statistical analysis of them. This method helps us to identify those production clusters as well as those areas where the production is more concerntrated and dominated by few producers, and also the extend and main characteristics of the European pellet markets.

MOLA-YUDEGO B, SELKIMÄKI M, GONZALEZ-OLABARRIA J R. 2013. Spatial analysis of the wood pellet production for energy in Europe. Renewable Energy. Doi: 10.1016/j.renene.2013.08.034.

Abstract

The distribution of the wood pellet plants in Europe was analysed using a geo-statistical kernel based approach, in order to identify and define cluster-regions with high concentration of pellet production capacity. For that, a database with the location of pellet plants, as well as its capacity, was constructed, identifying 378 pellet plants with annual capacities over 1000 t, and an aggregated production of 11.5 million t. The geo-statistical methods facilitated the analysis of the plants with regards to their market position at global and local level.

At a European level, four main production areas were identified, defined as: “Central Europe” (Bavaria, Austria, and neighbouring areas of France, Switzerland and Italy), “Scandinavia”, “Finland”, and the “Baltic”. These areas concentrated over 50% of the pellet production, although presented different characteristics regarding market establishment and development, their role in the global pellet trade and their raw material availability. The paper provides with methodological tools to identify and characterise the main pellet production areas in Europe that can have further economic and policy applications.

Keywords

Pellet trade; Bioenergy; Kernel models; Supply; Energy; Bioenergy



Renewable Energy at Science Direct [link]
ResearchGate [link]

Biomass supply chains: mapping and simulation

WINDISCH J, RÖSER D, MOLA-YUDEGO B, SIKANEN L, ASIKAINEN A. 2013. Business process mapping and discrete-event simulation of two forest biomass supply chains. Biomass and Bioenergy. In Press.

Abstract
Previous research in forest biomass procurement has been focussing on reducing harvesting costs. However, organisation and management of supply chains as well are considerable cost factors. The present study applies a methodological framework to investigate two forest biomass supply chains in different operational environments of two European countries (Finland and Germany) in order to identify the business processes and stakeholders making up the supply chains using a business process mapping methodology. Additionally, the work time expenditure for organisational and managerial tasks for each of the supply chains is estimated using discrete-event simulations.

The business process mapping revealed that the number of processes in the supply chains varies considerably involving 213 project objects (activities, information items, others) in the Finnish supply chain and 268 in Germany. The work time expenditure on managerial and organisational tasks assessed by discrete-event simulation was 1483 min/100 m3 in the Finnish and 1381 min/100 m3 in the German supply chain. Even though the results of the study are company specific and cannot be directly generalized, as each supply chain reflects the characteristics of its operational environment, the proposed methodology has shown its potential for the in-depth analysis of supply chains in forest business and it is a step towards holistic cost calculation and business process improvement approaches on supply chain level.

Keywords
Supply chain management; Discrete-event simulation; Forest bioenergy; Organisation of work; Forest fuel procurement

From Biomass and Bioenergy at ScienceDirect
ResearchGate link

Life cycle analysis of willow for bioethanol

GONZALEZ-GARCIA S, MOLA-YUDEGO B, MURPHY R J. 2012. Life Cycle Assessment of potential energy uses for short rotation willow (Salix spp.) biomass in Sweden. International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment. doi:10.1007/s11367-012-0536-2

Abstract
Purpose
Two different bioenergy systems using willow chips as raw material has been assessed in detail applying life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology to compare its environmental profile with conventional alternatives based on fossil fuels and demonstrate the potential of this biomass as a lignocellulosic energy source.
Methods
Short rotation forest willow plantations dedicated to biomass chips production for energy purposes and located in Southern Sweden were considered as the agricultural case study. The bioenergy systems under assessment were based on the production and use of willow-based ethanol in a flexi fuel vehicle blended with gasoline (85 % ethanol by volume) and the direct combustion of willow chips in an industrial furnace in order to produce heat for end users. The standard framework for LCA from the International Standards Organisation was followed in this study. The environmental profiles as well as the hot spots all through the life cycles were identified.
Results and discussion
According to the results, Swedish willow biomass production is energetically efficient, and the destination of this biomass for energy purposes (independently the sort of energy) presents environmental benefits, specifically in terms of avoided greenhouse gases emissions and fossil fuels depletion. Several processes from the agricultural activities were identified as hot spots, and special considerations should be paid on them due to their contribution to the environmental impact categories under analysis. This was the case for the production and use of the nitrogen-based fertilizer, as well as the diesel used in agricultural machineries.
Conclusions
Special attention should be paid on diffuse emissions from the ethanol production plant as well as on the control system of the combustion emissions from the boiler.

Keywords
Biomass Bioenergy Ethanol Gasoline Heat production LCA Natural gas Salix spp



From the International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment at SpringerLink
ReserachGate link

Core-periphery analysis for the occurrence of forest conflicts

GRITTEN D, MOLA-YUDEGO B, DELGADO-MATAS C, KORTELAINEN J. 2012. A quantitative review of the representation of forest conflicts across the world: resource periphery and emerging patterns. Forest Policy and Economics. doi:10.1016/j.forpol.2012.06.008.

Abstract
The ubiquitous nature of forest conflicts lends themselves to quantitative analysis on a global level which could help facilitate the further development of conflict management tools. The aim of this work is to present a quantitative review of the representation of forest conflicts across the world, developing an analysis of the geographical components of forest conflicts using the contested resource periphery theory as a framework. The analysis was based on a database covering 303 forest conflicts identified in academic literature and reports from international forest organisations and environmental non-governmental organisations (ENGOs). The analysis includes a methodology to geographically define the economic cores at different scales, and the location of the conflicts regarding a core–periphery continuum. The results found that forest conflicts are located in resource peripheries on global levels, but not necessarily on regional or local levels, as the type of conflict adds additional complexity to the analysis. Finally, it was found that international ENGOs targeting the operations of forest industry focus mainly on resource peripheries, which is a reflection of the resource's location, but also target the markets and financiers, usually found at the economic cores. The work provides additional tools for the analysis of the geography of forest conflicts, and the implications of the work not only feeds into the understanding of how conflicts develop, but also helps in verifying the theory of contested resource periphery.

Highlights
► Aim: quantitative review of the representation of forest conflicts across the world. ► Work is based on database of 303 forest conflicts. ► Conflicts are generally located in resource peripheries on global levels. ► On local level validity of resource periphery theory is dependent on conflict type. ► International ENGOs focus a great deal on the resource peripheries.

Keywords
Contested resource periphery; Environmental non-governmental organisations (ENGOs); Categorising forest conflicts; Economic geography



Available from Forest Policy and Economics, at ScienceDirect
ResearchGate link

Mapping fire risk using LiDAR

This is another publication in cooperation with the Forest Science Centre of Catalonia (CTFC) and CESEFOR (Soria, Spain).

GONZALEZ-OLABARRIA J R, RODRÍGUEZ F, FERNÁNDEZ-LANDA A, MOLA-YUDEGO B Mapping fire risk in the Model Forest of Urbión (Spain) based on airborne LiDAR measurements. Forest Ecology and Management 282: 149-156.

Abstract
The present study sets a methodological framework to combine LiDAR derived data with fire behaviour models in order to assess fire risk at landscape level for forest management and planning. Two forest areas of the Model Forest in Urbión, Soria (Central Spain) were analyzed, covering 992.7 ha and 221.7 ha. The modelling phase was based in 160 field sample plots as ground data, and the LiDAR data had a density of first returns of 2 pulses/m², which were used to construct 13 models for stand variables (e.g. basal area, stem volume, branch biomass). The coefficients of determination ranged from 0.167 for shrub cover, to 0.906 for dominant height. The modelled variables were used for a classification of fuel types compatible with the continuous data. The simulation phase was performed using the spatialized data on FlamMap in order to assess the potential fire behaviour resulting across the whole landscape for four scenarios of moisture and wind conditions. The results showed maps of fire intensity and probability of fire occurrence, based on the simulation of 500 random ignition points, which allowed the analysis of the spatial relation between the initial state and allocation of forest resources and their risk of fire. The methodology proposed, as well as the results of this research are directly applicable for operational forest planning at landscape level.

Highlights
► Fire behaviour and occurrence are estimated with defined scenarios in a forest area. ► We present a methodology that combines forest fire simulators and LiDAR data. ► It provides 13 models for stand level variables and its spatialization. ► A set of rules to classify fuel types compatible with the continuous data is presented. ► The methodology IS applicable for operational planning purposes at landscape level.

Keywords
Airborne LiDAR; Forest inventory; Fire risk assessment; Mediterranean model forest



Find the paper in Science Direct.
ResearchGate link

Forest chips for energy in Europe: Current procurement methods and potentials

New publication:

DÍAZ-YAÑEZ O, MOLA-YUDEGO B, ANTTILA P, RÖSER D, ASIKAINEN A. 2013. Forest chips for energy in Europe: current procurement methods and potentials. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 21:562–571.

Abstract
Forest  chips are becoming an important alternative resource for energy in  Europe. The aim of this study is to review and analyze the current  procurement methods and potentials of forest chips in Europe, based on  questionnaires sent to relevant experts in different countries as well  as a literature review of existing literature. The compilation of  current uses of wood chips and existing procurement methods was based on  data from several professionals in 17 countries. The analysis of the  forest chips potentials by countries combined data supplied by the  experts as well as additional sources based in the literature. The  results showed that Finland and Sweden use the largest volumes of forest  chips, and is expected that many other countries will experience a  significant increase in the use to produce energy. Currently, the main  source of forest chips in most of the countries are logging residues,  but in the near future it is expected a shift towards increasing  utilization of stumps and roundwood. In the EU, the estimates for  biomass potential for energy available under current conditions were  277 M m³, for above ground biomass and 585 M m³ for total biomass. The total long term potential is estimated to be 913 M m³.  The results of this study reveal that significant volumes of forest  chips are used in most of the selected countries for energy and the  experts consulted as well as the literature suggests that even larger  volumes can be mobilized and novel technology developed to improve the  efficiency of supply.

Keywords: Bioenergy; Energy Wood; Raw Materials; Biomass Resources


Supply chains. (A) Felling/cutting, (B) off-road transport, (C) chipping/crushing, (D) road transport.


Average estimates of forest wood biomass potentials in Europe (M m³). (a) Above ground biomass, current conditions, (b) total biomass, current conditions, (c) total biomass, highest potential.

Maps of potential forest biomass production [PDF]
Find the whole article from [HERE]
ResearchGate link

doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2012.12.016

Willow contribution to water quality

DIMITRIOU J, MOLA-YUDEGO B, ARONSSON P. 2012. Impact of Willow Short Rotation Coppice on Water Quality. Bioenergy Research. doi: 10.1007/s12155-012-9211-5.

Abstract
Short rotation coppice (SRC) with willow has been grown in Sweden from the late 1980s to produce biomass for energy on agricultural land. This study evaluated the effects of SRC on water quality by determining differences in leaching of nitrogen and phosphorus to groundwater of a number of commercial “old” SRC willow stands in Sweden compared to adjacent arable fields grown with “ordinary” crops. The study was conducted in 16 locations under three vegetation seasons. NO3–N leaching from willow SRC fields was significantly lower than that from reference fields with cereals. The opposite was observed for PO4–P; concentrations in the groundwater of SRC were higher compared to reference fields. Sewage sludge applications were not responsible for the elevated PO4–P leaching under SRC compared to reference crops.

Keywords:  Bioenergy – Biomass – Energy forest – Nitrate leaching – Phosphorus leaching – Salix




This paper is directly related to:

DIMITRIOU J, MOLA-YUDEGO B, ARONSSON P, ERIKSSON J. 2012. Changes in organic carbon and trace elements in the soil of willow short-rotation coppice plantations. Bioenergy Research. Forthcoming.

GONZALEZ-GARCIA S, MOLA-YUDEGO B, DIMITRIOU J, ARONSSON, P, MURPHY R J. 2012. Environmental assessment of energy production based on long term commercial willow plantations in Sweden. Science of the Total Environment 421:210-219.

ResearchGate link

An international study introducing methods to improve forest energy supply structures in different operational environments

Operational efficiency of forest energy supply chains in different operational environments

Doctoral dissertation by Dominik Röser

Forest biomass for energy is an essential component to meet the national climate targets set by all European countries. Therefore, the efficient and reliable supply of forest biomass from the forest to the end user is essential. The dissertation applied a three-dimensional approach that investigated biomass supply structures from a technical, social, and economic viewpoint in different countries across Europe. By having this understanding of the different dimensions it is possible to develop holistic solutions that support and improve operational efficiency, not only at individual stages, but that are applicable to the entire supply chain structures. Due to its applicability in different operational environments, the developed method is also suitable in a global context to improve the operational efficiency of existing forest energy supply chains and to support the transfer of supply chains to new operational environments.

Supporting knowledge and technology transfer of Finnish forest energy expertise

The selected methodology was found practical to investigate the complex relationships between the chosen technologies and the different forest energy supply chain actors and stakeholders. The method allows gaining a broader understanding of the challenges at different stages of forest energy supply chains and how they relate to each other. Furthermore, it captures the effect of different aspects and characteristics of the various operational environments on the setup and organization of supply chains. This will be valuable knowledge when Finnish companies want to promote their products to new countries with less experience in regards to the use of forest biomass for energy.

Timing and proper planning of forest energy operations is key to success

The thesis also revealed the importance of proper timing and planning of the different operations and processes. It was found that it is easy to improve supply chains by proper planning and timing of the operations. This means that it is not always necessary to invest in new machines or technology but that we have to focus more on making existing supply structures more efficient and thereby contribute to achieve the climate change targets.

An international approach

The studies which took part in Finland, Germany, Italy, Austria, and Scotland, included different aspects of forest biomass supply chains. The effects of climatic conditions, covering of piles using Walki’s covering paper, and partial debarking on drying of roundwood were studied in four experimental trials located in Scotland, Finland, and Italy. The chipping of forest biomass, using a chipper from the Finnish manufacturer KESLA, was studied in Germany and Finland. The study was performed to identify the chipping productivity under varying conditions and explores the effects of machine set-up and differences in the working environment.

Furthermore, the organization of supply of the Eno Energy Cooperative in Finland and a MW Biomasse in Bavaria, Germany was studied. The study examined all processes and interlinking details that have to take place to deliver forest energy from the forest owner to the final customer.

Finally, the applicability and feasibility of Nordic harvesting technology and methods was studied in the Scottish Highlands. An analysis of the effect of the operational environment on technology selection and design of the supply chain was carried out in order to better utilize local resources.

A link to the dissertation can be found from:

RÖSER D. 2012. Operational efficiency of forest energy supply chains in different operational environments. Dissertationes Forestales, 146. [Free PDF]

Modelling students' intentions to use bioenergy

HALDER P, PIETARINEN J, HAVU-NUUTINEN S, PELKONEN P, CHANG C-Y, PROKOP P, USAK M. 2012. Knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes as determinants of youth’s intentions to use bioenergy – a cross-national perspective. International Journal of Green Energy. In Press.

Abstract

Development of modern bioenergy sector is an important step towards meeting societal demand for reducing CO₂ emissions and supplying eco-friendly energy. Young students are the future decision-makers and they will play an important role towards transforming the present fossil fuel driven society into a renewable energy based society. The study aimed to explain young students’ intentions to use bioenergy by considering their knowledge perceptions, and attitudes related to bioenergy in Finland, Taiwan, Turkey, and Slovakia. Data for this study came from a previous survey in these countries among 15-year-old 1903 school students. This study with the help of Principal Component Analysis revealed the dimensions of the students’ perceptions of and attitudes related to bioenergy. One of the dimensions ‘pro-environmental intention’ was used as the dependent variable in the Multiple Regression Analyses. Results indicated that students’ intentions to use bioenergy were mostly guided by their perceptions of the socio-environmental aspects related to bioenergy. Individual level decision-making such as communicating and learning more about bioenergy was also important; however, with a low impact value. Results also suggested that the 'critical-environmental' dimension had only minor influence on the students' intentions to use bioenergy. Students’ level of bioenergy-knowledge especially those with a relatively higher level appeared to have a strong impact on their intentions to use bioenergy. Young students should be facilitated to become aware of bioenergy in order to influence their intentions to use it in the future. 

Keywords: Bioenergy; Perceptions; Attitudes; Knowledge; Intentions to use; Youth