Nachwachsende Rohstoffe in der Stromerzeugung – Im Spannungsfeld zwischen Ökonomie und Umwelt Nachwachsende Rohstoffe in der Stromerzeugung – Im Spannungsfeld zwischen Ökonomie und Umwelt

Abstract

For many years there have been high expectations of renewable resources in energy production or as raw materials. Thus, this article attempts to identify an interim balance in this field, focussing on electricity production from biomass.After a short description of the different sources and possible uses of renewable resources, the increasing importance of renewable resources in research and development work is placed in a historical context. Subsequently, the motivation and political objectives of promoting the supply and use of renewable resources are discussed, including the possible risks of this use. Results concerning power production costs, CO2 mitigation costs, and employment effects are presented. Based on the results in the different dimensions, the difficulties of an overall assessment are described in detail. The article closes with an outlook on further developments presenting aspects relevant to research and promotions strategies.

How the emergence of biofuels challenges environmental conservation

“…For example, production costs of domestic bioethanol in Germany amount to € 0.8-0.9 l −1 (€ 1 = US$ 1.41, October 2007) gasoline equivalents compared to a price level of € 0.2 l −1 (2005 tax-free price for fossil gasoline; Henke et al 2005). Electricity generation costs of a manure-based biogasification plant average € 79 MW h el −1 compared to the conventional € 45 MW h el −1 (for a hard coal power plant; Leible & Kälber 2005). Future profitability depends on the development of prices for fossil resources and the maintenance of public incentives.…”