ECOP: an economic model to assess the willow short rotation coppice global profitability in a case of small scale gasification pathway in Belgium

This paper presents a software package developed to assess the economic profitability of an original way to produce renewable energy: the small scale gasification of willow cultivated as short rotation coppice (SRC) in Belgium. The theoretical bases of the model (process hypotheses and economic indicators) are firstly presented together with the most relevant characteristics of the energy production route (SRC management and wood production, storage and conversion). A reference case is then defined which combines the most influencing parameters (reference interest rate, rotation length, subsidies, harvest mode, SRC yield, power of the electricity generator and annual production of electricity). A sensitivity analysis on these parameters highlighted that the project profitability, from the net present value point of view, is very sensitive to the reference interest rate, to the subsidies (of the conversion unit but probably also of any other kind of subsidies), to the SRC yield and to the generator power, all other parameters remaining constant. The rotation length has only a low influence, at least in the range of classic values (3 to 7 years). To harvest the wood in stems (with delayed chipping) seems also to be the most interesting option. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved

Energy and CO2 balance of maize and grass as energy crops for anaerobic digestion.

Energy crops can be used to feed anaerobic digesters and produce renewable energy. However, sustainability of this option requires that it contributes to a net production of renewable energy and a net reduction of fossil CO2 emission. In this paper, the net balance of CO2 emission and renewable energy production is assessed for maize and grass energy crops produced in several agricultural systems relevant for Southern Belgium and surrounding areas. The calculated net energy yields are 8-25 (maize) and 7.4-15.5 (grass) MWh of renewable CH4 per MWh of fossil energy invested, depending on the agricultural option considered. After conversion to electricity, the specific CO2 emissions range from 31 to 104 kg(CO2)MWhelectricity(-1), depending on the case considered. This corresponds to a significant reduction in CO2 emissions compared to the current reference gas-steam turbine technology which produces 456 kg(CO2)MWhelectricity(-1)

A multi-actor multi-criteria framework to assess the stakeholder support for different biofuel options: The case of Belgium

The multi-actor multi-criteria analysis (MAMCA) is a methodology to evaluate different policy measures, whereby different stakeholders' opinions are explicitly taken into account. In this paper, the framework is used to assess several biofuel options for Belgium that can contribute to the binding target of 10% renewable fuels in transport by 2020, issued by the Renewable Energy Directive (RED). Four biofuel options (biodiesel, ethanol, biogas and synthetic biodiesel (also referred to as "biomass-to-liquid" or BTL)) together with a reference fossil fuel option, are evaluated on the aims and objectives of the different stakeholders involved in the biofuel supply chain (feedstock producers, biofuel producers, fuel distributors, end users, vehicle manufacturers, government, NGOs and North-South organizations). Overall, the MAMCA provided insights in the stakeholder's position and possible implementation problems for every biofuel option. As such, it helps decision makers in establishing a supportive policy framework to facilitate implementation and to ensure market success, once they have decided on which biofuel option (or combination of options) to implement. © 2010 Elsevier Ltd

A multi-actor multi-criteria framework to assess the stakeholder support for different biofuel options: The case of Belgium

The multi-actor multi-criteria analysis (MAMCA) is a methodology to evaluate different policy measures, whereby different stakeholders' opinions are explicitly taken into account. In this paper, the framework is used to assess several biofuel options for Belgium that can contribute to the binding target of 10% renewable fuels in transport by 2020, issued by the Renewable Energy Directive (RED). Four biofuel options (biodiesel, ethanol, biogas and synthetic biodiesel (also referred to as "biomass-to-liquid" or BTL)) together with a reference fossil fuel option, are evaluated on the aims and objectives of the different stakeholders involved in the biofuel supply chain (feedstock producers, biofuel producers, fuel distributors, end users, vehicle manufacturers, government, NGOs and North-South organizations). Overall, the MAMCA provided insights in the stakeholder's position and possible implementation problems for every biofuel option. As such, it helps decision makers in establishing a supportive policy framework to facilitate implementation and to ensure market success, once they have decided on which biofuel option (or combination of options) to implement.Multi-criteria analysis Decision making Biofuels