| 1. |
- Cowie, A. L., et al.
(author)
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Applying a science-based systems perspective to dispel misconceptions about climate effects of forest bioenergy
- 2021
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In: Global Change Biology Bioenergy. - : John Wiley and Sons Inc. - 1757-1693 .- 1757-1707. ; 13:8, s. 1210-1231
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The scientific literature contains contrasting findings about the climate effects of forest bioenergy, partly due to the wide diversity of bioenergy systems and associated contexts, but also due to differences in assessment methods. The climate effects of bioenergy must be accurately assessed to inform policy-making, but the complexity of bioenergy systems and associated land, industry and energy systems raises challenges for assessment. We examine misconceptions about climate effects of forest bioenergy and discuss important considerations in assessing these effects and devising measures to incentivize sustainable bioenergy as a component of climate policy. The temporal and spatial system boundary and the reference (counterfactual) scenarios are key methodology choices that strongly influence results. Focussing on carbon balances of individual forest stands and comparing emissions at the point of combustion neglect system-level interactions that influence the climate effects of forest bioenergy. We highlight the need for a systems approach, in assessing options and developing policy for forest bioenergy that: (1) considers the whole life cycle of bioenergy systems, including effects of the associated forest management and harvesting on landscape carbon balances; (2) identifies how forest bioenergy can best be deployed to support energy system transformation required to achieve climate goals; and (3) incentivizes those forest bioenergy systems that augment the mitigation value of the forest sector as a whole. Emphasis on short-term emissions reduction targets can lead to decisions that make medium- to long-term climate goals more difficult to achieve. The most important climate change mitigation measure is the transformation of energy, industry and transport systems so that fossil carbon remains underground. Narrow perspectives obscure the significant role that bioenergy can play by displacing fossil fuels now, and supporting energy system transition. Greater transparency and consistency is needed in greenhouse gas reporting and accounting related to bioenergy.
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| 2. |
- Kehoe, Laura, et al.
(author)
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Make EU trade with Brazil sustainable
- 2019
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In: Science. - : American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). - 0036-8075 .- 1095-9203. ; 364:6438, s. 341-
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Journal article (other academic/artistic)
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| 3. |
- Lako, P., et al.
(author)
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Offshore wind energy
- 2010
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In: Technological Learning in the Energy Sector - Lessons for Policy, Industry and Science.
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Book chapter (other academic/artistic)
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| 4. |
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| 5. |
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| 6. |
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| 7. |
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| 8. |
- Londo, Marc, et al.
(author)
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Eyes on the track, mind on the horizon: The REFUEL EU Road Map for biofuels
- 2008
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In: Proceedings of the 16th European Biomass Conference & Exhibition - From research to industry and markets, Feria Valencia, Spain, 2-6 June 2008.
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Conference paper (other academic/artistic)abstract
- The current hot debate on biofuels calls for a balanced and realistic long-term strategy for biofuels. The REFUEL project provides several ingredients for such a strategy. Analyses in this project indicate that domestically produced biofuels can cover a significant share of EU fuel demand in the coming decades, with the EU-12 new member states and Ukraine as most promising regions. This potential can be realised with residual streams and on existing agricultural land, without conversion of e.g. nature reserves. Second-generation biofuels are essential for the long-term success of biofuels due to their superior performance in many ways. But generally, the key challenge for the near future would be how to enhance the development of biofuels in a responsible way, i.e. stimulating the production chains with the best performance, and preventing negative impacts e.g., by paying careful attention to possible system impacts of biofuel production such as indirect land use changes and rising food prices. Finally, 2nd generation biofuels require specific policy: the precursor role of 1st generation is overrated, both in technical terms as well as in their role as market precursors. When it comes to synergies, 2nd generation biofuels might benefit more from other developments in the energy sector, such as initiatives in co-firing of biomass for (heat and) power, than from 1st generation biofuels, also because of the public resistance that the latter induce.
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| 9. |
- Londo, Marc, et al.
(author)
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The REFUEL EU road map for biofuels in transport: Application of the project’s tools to some short-term policy issues
- 2010
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In: Biomass and Bioenergy. - : Elsevier BV. - 1873-2909 .- 0961-9534. ; 34:2, s. 244-250
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The current hot debate on biofuels calls for a balanced and realistic long-term strategy forbiofuels. The REFUEL project provides several ingredients for such a strategy. Analyses inthis project indicate that domestically produced biofuels can cover a significant share of EUfuel demand in the coming decades, with the EU-12 new member states and Ukraine asmost promising regions. This potential can be realised with residual streams and onexisting agricultural land, without conversion of e.g. nature reserves. Second generationbiofuels are essential for the long-term success of biofuels due to their superior performancein many ways. But generally, the key challenge for the near future would be how toenhance the development of biofuels in a responsible way, i.e. stimulating the productionchains with the best performance, and preventing negative impacts e.g., by paying carefulattention to possible system impacts of biofuel production such as indirect land usechanges and rising food prices. Finally, 2nd generation biofuels require specific policy: theprecursor role of 1st generation is overrated, both in technical terms as well as in their roleas market precursors. When it comes to synergies, 2nd generation biofuels might benefitmore from other developments in the energy sector, such as initiatives in co-firing ofbiomass for (heat and) power, than from 1st generation biofuels, also because of the publicresistance that the latter induce.
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| 10. |
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| 11. |
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| 12. |
- Pelkmans, L., et al.
(author)
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Monitoring the Impact of Sustainability Certification in Relation to Biomass Use for Energy
- 2012
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In: EUBCE 2012 proceedings. - 9788889407547 ; , s. 2013-2018
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Conference paper (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Since the public has expressed concern about unintended consequences associated with potentially unsustainable biomass production and use for energy (or biofuels), producers of biomass feedstocks in the private sector as well as governmental and non-governmental organisations have initiated many generally unlinked efforts to define 'sustainable' bioenergy production and supply chains. These 'sustainability' standards may be implemented through certification systems involving 3rd party audit, and influence production systems and trade of bioenergy products from producers to consumers of ‘green' energy. At present numerous biomass and biofuel sustainability certification systems are being developed or implemented by a variety of private and public organisations. Systems are applicable to different feedstock production sectors (forests, agricultural crops), different bioenergy products (relatively unprocessed forest residues, ethanol, biodiesel, electricity), and whole or segments of supply chains (production system, chain of custody from growers to energy consumers). It is expected that such a wide range of systems, developed largely without coordination among the organisations involved, could be problematic for all stakeholders along the supply chain in individual sectors and for those involved in deployment of bioenergy systems globally. These are individual feedstock producers, companies and commodity sectors that must comply with these systems either to maintain market access and share or to comply with legislative mandates, and also consumers who prefer to purchase certified green energy, and regulatory agencies and local to national governments that may be involved in enforcing sustainability standards. The potential for confusion among the actors, depression of markets, and unnecessary restrictions on sustainable trade seems high. Within IEA Bioenergy a strategic study was initiated between Task 40, Task 43 and Task 38 to monitor the actual implementation process of sustainability certification of bioenergy, evaluate how stakeholders are affected by certification initiatives, quantify the anticipated impact on worldwide bioenergy trade, assess the level of coordination among schemes, and make recommendations to remove barriers which may depress markets and reduce sustainable trade. Interaction with different stakeholder groups is one of the main objectives of this study, so we anticipate the recommendations being representative of the whole bioenergy certification sector and therefore having high potential to improve an otherwise uncoordinated interest in ensuring bioenergy trade is sustainable.
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| 13. |
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| 14. |
- Pelkmans, Luc, et al.
(author)
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The role of sustainability requirements in international bioenergy markets
- 2013
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In: International Bioenergy Trade. - : Springer. - 9789400769816 ; , s. 125-149
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Book chapter (peer-reviewed)abstract
- As the main driver for bioenergy is to enable society to transform to more sustainable fuel and energy production systems, it is important to safeguard that bioenergy deployment happens within certain sustainability constraints. There is currently a high number of initiatives, including binding regulations and several voluntary sustainability standards for biomass, bioenergy and/or biofuels. Within IEA Bioenergy studies were performed to monitor the actual implementation process of sustainability regulations and certification, evaluate how stakeholders are affected and envisage the anticipated impact on worldwide markets and trade. On the basis of these studies, recommendations were made on how sustainability requirements could actually support further bioenergy deployment. Markets would gain from more harmonization and cross-compliance. A common language is needed as ‘sustainability’ of biomass involves different policy arenas and legal settings. Policy pathways should be clear and predictable, and future revisions of sustainability requirements should be open and transparent. Sustainability assurance systems (both through binding regulations and voluntary certification) should take into account how markets work, in relation to different biomass applications (avoiding discrimination among end-uses and users). It should also take into account the way investment decisions are taken, administrative requirements for smallholders, and the position of developing countries.
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| 15. |
- Pelkmans, Luc, et al.
(author)
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The role of sustainability requirements in international bioenergy markets
- 2014
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In: Lecture Notes in Energy. - Dordrecht : Springer Netherlands. - 2195-1292 .- 2195-1284. ; 17:1, s. 125-149
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- As the main driver for bioenergy is to enable society to transform to more sustainable fuel and energy production systems, it is important to safeguard that bioenergy deployment happens within certain sustainability constraints. There is currently a high number of initiatives, including binding regulations and several voluntary sustainability standards for biomass, bioenergy and/or biofuels. Within IEA Bioenergy studies were performed to monitor the actual implementation process of sustainability regulations and certification, evaluate how stakeholders are affected and envisage the anticipated impact on worldwide markets and trade. On the basis of these studies, recommendations were made on how sustainability requirements could actually support further bioenergy deployment. Markets would gain from more harmonization and cross-compliance. A common language is needed as 'sustainability' of biomass involves different policy arenas and legal settings. Policy pathways should be clear and predictable, and future revisions of sustainability requirements should be open and transparent. Sustainability assurance systems (both through binding regulations and voluntary certification) should take into account how markets work, in relation to different biomass applications (avoiding discrimination among end-uses and users). It should also take into account the way investment decisions are taken, administrative requirements for smallholders, and the position of developing countries.
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| 16. |
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| 17. |
- Stupak, I, et al.
(author)
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A Global Survey of Stakeholder Views and Experiences for Systems Needed to Effectively and Efficiently Govern Sustainability of Bioenergy
- 2015
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In: Advances in Bioenergy: The Sustainability Challenge. - Oxford, UK : John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. - 9781118957844 ; , s. 507-534
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Book chapter (other academic/artistic)abstract
- The increased international trade led to growing concerns over sustainability of biofuels and a variety of governance systems has emerged to regulate the bioenergy sector for maximization of the benefits and minimization of the possible negative impacts. The general concept of governance is used in different ways. But in this chapter it is used in the broad sense of governance processes undertaken by governments, market actors, voluntary organizations or networks. This concept of governance recognizes the interdependence of the public, market-based and voluntary governing processes, and the relationships that may exist between them. A survey was designed with the objective of analyzing stakeholders' views, experiences, and ideas in relation to the governance challenges. The survey revealed a broad support for existing and new co-regulation among stakeholders, but also that low share of certified land is seen as a challenge for both forestry and agriculture.
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| 18. |
- Stupak, I, et al.
(author)
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A global survey of stakeholder views and experiences for systems needed to effectively and efficiently govern sustainability of bioenergy
- 2016
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In: Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Energy and Environment. - : Wiley. - 2041-8396 .- 2041-840X. ; 5:1, s. 89-118
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Different governance mechanisms have emerged to ensure biomass and bioenergy sustainability amidst a myriad of related public and private regulations that have existed for decades. We conducted a global survey with 59 questions which examined 192 stakeholders' views and experiences related to (1) the multi-leveled governance to which they are subjected, (2) the impacts of that governance on bioenergy production and trade, and (3) the most urgent areas for improvement of certification schemes. The survey revealed significant support along the whole supply chain for new legislation which uses market-based certification schemes to demonstrate compliance (co-regulation). Some respondents did not see a need for new regulation, and meta-standards is a promising approach for bridging divergent views, especially if other proof than certification will be an option. Most respondents had so far experienced positive or neutral changes to their bioenergy production or trade after the introduction of new sustainability governance. Legislative requirements and a green business profile were important motivations for getting certified, while lack of market advantages, administrative complexity and costs all were barriers of varying importance. A need to include, e.g., regular standard revision and dealing with conflicting criteria was identified by respondents associated with bioenergy schemes. Respondents associated with forestry schemes saw less need for revisions, but some were interested in supply chain sustainability criteria. Significant differences among schemes suggest it is crucial in the future to examine the tradeoffs between certification costs, schemes' inclusiveness, the quality of their substantive and procedural rules, and the subsequent effectiveness on-the-ground.
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| 19. |
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| 20. |
- Thiffault, E, et al.
(author)
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Mobilisation of Forest Bioenergy in the Boreal and Temperate Biomes
- 2016
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Book (other academic/artistic)abstract
- © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Mobilisation of Forest Bioenergy in the Boreal and Temperate Biomes: Challenges, Opportunities, and Case Studies features input from key international experts who identify and analyze the main opportunities and roadblocks for the implementation of sustainable forest biomass supply chains in the boreal and temperate regions. It draws from responses to surveys that were sent to specialists from different countries, compares models of bioenergy deployment, and discusses different types of bioenergy carriers. Efficiency and profitability of the supply chain are analyzed and the scale and level of confidence of feedstock inventory estimates are highlighted. Logistics and ecological and socio-economic footprints are also covered. This book provides a synthesis of the scientific and technical literature on specific aspects of forest biomass supply chains, and quantifies future potentials in comparison to estimates provided by other sources and the targets for bioenergy production set by various organizations (IEA, IPCC, etc.). Finally, the book proposes recommendations for practitioners, policymakers, and future research. This approach makes the book especially relevant for professionals, policymakers, researchers, and graduate students in the field of bioenergy conversion and management, as well as those interested in sustainable management of natural resources. Presents foundational theory, examples and lessons learned, drawing on scientific and technical literature, as well as surveys conducted among stakeholders from various countries of the boreal and temperate biomes Provides best practices, insights, and recommendations through an integrative framework that encompasses various aspects of forest biomass supply chain, at different scales, and looking at a broad geographical and geopolitical range Compares contrasting history, policy context, and level of forest bioenergy development in several countries through several case studies Analyzes the efficiency and profitability of the supply chain, highlighting the scale and level of confidence of feedstock inventory estimates
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