A Method to Assess Biomass Resources and Potential Contribution to a Regional Emission and Energy Plan

A rational exploitation of bioenergy resources strictly depends on the type and amount of biomass that is locally available. It is thus crucial to assess the biomass potential and its possible contribution to GHG emission mitigation and to the energy budget looking at the specific characteristics of a given territory. We propose a method to compare different biomass-to-energy systems as an aid to local administrations in developing their bioenergy action plans. Together with residual biomass, we analysed the potential contribution of energy crops and considered how they could be developed with a small or null impact on current agricultural practices. A life-cycle approach is taken, evaluating all the steps of the energy production chain, together with a multi-objective perspective that comprises the two of the most significant assessment criteria: net energy production and GHG balance. A case study of Lombardy region in Northern Italy is presented. We compared two energy conversion systems: a concentrated use in cogeneration plants and a distributed use in domestic boilers. A full biomass plan in Lombardy can produce between 0.8% and 1.5% of the 2008 regional energy needs, and avoid 1-1.7% of 2008 regional emissions.