Bioenergy
In the context of the energy transition, the energy source biomass takes on a special role. The use of energy from biomass with the discovery of fire represents the oldest form of energy conversion from primary energy into useful energy by humans.
But can bioenergy also play a supporting role for the energy transition and is it worth the effort?
The calculation of the potential of biomass can be done as an application of the efficiency.
Estimation of the contribution of biomass to the energy transition (efficiency).
Plants convert solar energy into chemical energy. However, the efficiency of this conversion is maximum 0.5%.
Based on the efficiency and the irradiated solar energy, it can be calculated that even though you use 20% of the agricultural area and 50% of the wood growth, you only get about 12kWh per day and person.
However, reasons such as storage capacity and acceptance speak for the use of bioenergy.
>>Worksheet: Estimation of the contribution of biomass to the energy transition (efficiency).
Estimation of the contribution of biomass to the energy transition (available wood mass).
Instead of using the efficiency, one can also determine the available energy by calculating the volume of the wood increment and offsetting it against the calorific value of the wood.