Bioenergy for heat – the Hot Cases
Heat makes up about half of the global final energy usage, while electric power and transportation fuels together make up the other half of the end use. Fossil fuels are today the predominant source for heating (about 80%), However, in many countries there is enough sustainable biomass available to substitute all fossil fuels that are used for heating today. Switching from fossil fuel fired boilers to biomass fired boilers could decarbonise 40% of the global energy end use!
This Task 32 resulted in fifteen case studies that show real life examples of modern and sustainable heating as well as co-generation of green power through
biomass firing. The transition often goes hand in hand with improved local economy, since added value is derived from the utilisation of local residuals and waste fractions instead of purchasing fossil fuels. Furthermore, new job opportunities are created. It also secures supply of affordable heat resources, now and for generations to come. Biomass is therefore not only CO2 neutral and renewable, it can also strongly stimulate local socio-economic development.
