Biomass could produce fifth of global energy without damaging food production

Up to one fifth of global energy could be provided by biomass from plants without damaging food production. A new report released by UKERC suggests that. This could give some answers to the major debate which has been raging about the role biomass could play within the future energy system. While some say that biomass could play a major role in providing the world with energy, others say that it could mean an environmental disaster.

To get to the heart of the controversy, UKERC scientists at Imperial College London have undertaken a systematic review of the evidence base.

The report finds that the main reason scientists disagree is that they make different assumptions about population, diet, and land use. A particularly important bone of contention is the speed with which productivity improvements in food and energy crop production can be rolled out.

According to Dr. Raphael Slade, the report’s lead author, we can get one fifth of the current global energy supply from biomass if we make the best use of agricultural residues, energy crops and waste materials. Also he adds that this is a reasonable ambition. The report finds that getting more than this is technically possible but requires assumptions about food production and changes in diets that look increasingly challenging, especially as people in Asia and Latin America begin to adopt a high meat western diet as incomes rise.

All in all, 20% of the worlds energy supply from biomass isn’t a small number. I think achieving this goal is a fantastic way to get a 100% renewable energy world.

Source : http://www.tomorrowisgreener.com/biomass-could-produce-fifth-of-global-energy-without-damaging-food-production/