In this paper, technical and economic prerequisites to attain reduced carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions through the use of biomass-based energy carriers in the transportation sector are studied. CO2 emission reduction per unit of land used for biomass production as well as costs for CO2 emission reduction are estimated when substituting rape methyl ester, biogas from lucerne, ethanol from wheat and ethanol, methanol and hydrogen for Salix (willow) and logging residues for petrol and diesel. Other environmental impacts resulting from an increased use of biomass-based energy carriers are briefly discussed. The study shows that the transportation fuels based on Salix will provide the largest CO2 reduction per hectare. For the technologies assumed to be available in 5-10 years time, the costs for CO2 reduction will be lowest for methanol from Salix and logging residues; USD 230-430/tonne C at current biomass costs and USD 180-340/tonne C at estimated biomass costs around 2015, when used instead of petrol in internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs). (Author/publisher).
Abstract