This paper utilizes the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory?s Integrated Assessment modeling tools to draw out concepts that should be considered when examining purpose-grown biomass as a low-emissions energy source and/or as a key technology for addressing climate change. The paper concludes that using biomass as a significant element of our future energy system will be an enormous undertaking that will transform the global energy and agricultural system. Further, large-scale biomass energy requires substantial advances in the basic science of plant design, an integrated approach to basic and applied research, concurrent consideration of ethical and economic issues, effective planning for market transition, and reliable monitoring systems. Biomass energy is a straightforward concept but a complex endeavor necessitating a coordinated, programmatic effort.
Revised: September 30, 2009 |
Published: June 4, 2001