How to Realize the Bioenergy Prospects

Publisher Summary This chapter provides an introduction to the role of bioenergy as it stands today and discusses the ways in which bioenergy prospects can be realized. Biomass can be used to produce different forms of energy such as heat, electricity, and transport fuels, thus providing for all the energy services required in modern society. A sustainable use of biomass requires comprehensive management of natural resources such as land and water. The chapter considers ways through which bioenergy can contribute to global sustainable-energy systems. The chapter addresses questions such as what types of energy services can be provided and how and what needs to be addressed when implementing bioenergy systems. Different realities of Europe and developing countries are considered, where needs and demands can mean different things though the bioenergy benefits can be quite similar. The chapter also addresses resource management, markets, technological and institutional development, and policy issues. The chapter provides views of different stakeholders so that a better understanding of their concerns and the specific roles they can play in the implementation of solutions can be achieved.