Field biomass as global energy source

Authors

• Kaija Hakala MTT Agrifood Research Finland, Plant Production Research, FI-31600 Jokioinen, Finland
• Markku Kontturi MTT Agrifood Research Finland, Plant Production Research, FI-31600 Jokioinen, Finland
• Katri Pahkala MTT Agrifood Research Finland, Plant Production Research, FI-31600 Jokioinen, Finland

DOI: https://doi.org/10.23986/afsci.5950

Keywords:

biomass, energy, food, global, potential, residues

Abstract

Current (19972006) and future (2050) global field biomass bioenergy potential was estimated based on FAO (2009) production statistics and estimations of climate change impacts on agriculture according to emission scenario B1 of IPCC. The annual energy potential of raw biomass obtained from crop residues and bioenergy crops cultivated in fields set aside from food production is at present 122133 EJ, 8693 EJ or 4750 EJ, when a vegetarian, moderate or affluent diet is followed, respectively. In 2050, with changes in climate and increases in population, field bioenergy production potential could be 101110 EJ, 5761 EJ and 4447 EJ, following equivalent diets. Of the potential field bioenergy production, 3942 EJ now and 3841 EJ in 2050 would derive from crop residues. The residue potential depends, however, on local climate, and may be considerably lower than the technically harvestable potential, when soil quality and sustainable development are considered. Arable land could be used for bioenergy crops, particularly in Australia, South and Central America and the USA. If crop production technology was improved in areas where environmental conditions allow more efficient food production, such as the former Soviet Union, large areas in Europe could also produce bioenergy in set aside fields. The realistic potential and sustainability of field bioenergy production are discussed.;