This is a brief description of studies that exemplify the methods and approaches that have been developed and used by Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) researchers in conducting integrated assessments. See the complete list of Integrated Assessment Briefs to find out more about ORNL's efforts in integrated assessment. Contact Mike Farrell (farrellmp@ornl.gov) for more information.

Integrated Biomass Energy Systems


An integrated biomass energy system shows the complex evaluation and implementation issues.

What are the evaluation and implementation issues associated with integrated biomass production and conversion systems as a greenhouse gas mitigation option?

Biomass power systems are a potentially important option not only for satisfying power needs in both industrialized and developing countries, but also for their global and local environmental benefits. Biomass power systems can reduce the rate of CO2 buildup in the atmosphere by sequestering carbon and by substituting for fossil fuels. When feedstocks are grown renewably, biomass contributes no net buildup of atmospheric carbon. Locally, biomass plantations can reduce demands on existing forests, lessen soil erosion, provide a means to restore degraded lands, and when combusted offset emissions and local impacts from fossil-fired power generation (e.g., SO2 and NOx).

The evaluation and implementation of integrated biomass systems are exceedingly complex. Many of the outputs require the use of specialized valuation procedures. However, the procedures for quantifying and valuing plantation benefits are at best difficult, and data are usually lacking. Oak Ridge National Laboratory is currently involved in a project in Southwest China to value nonpower benefits and to aid in the imple-mentation of actual projects.

Perlack, R. D. and J. W. Ranney. 1993. Integrated biomass energy systems in developing countries: Yunnan, China. In Proceedings of the First Biomass Conference of the Americas. National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, Co.

Perlack, R. D., J. W. Ranney, and M. Russell. 1991. Biomass energy development in Yunnan Province, China: Preliminary evaluation. ORNL/TM-11791. Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tenn.


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Integrated Assessment Briefs. 1995. ORNL/M-4227. Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN.