Effect of Agricultural Feedstock to Energy Conversion Rate on Bioenergy and GHG Emissions

• Main Authors: Chih-Chun Kung, Meng-Shiuh Chang
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2015-05-01
• Series: Sustainability
• Subjects: bioenergy; energy conversion rate; greenhouse gases emissions; pyrolysis
• Online Access: http://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/7/5/5981

Taiwan is eager to develop renewable energy because it is vulnerable to energy price distortion and ocean level rise. Previous studies show bioenergy technologies can be applied mutually, but pay little attention on feedstocks to energy conversion rate, which has potential influences on policy making in renewable energy and environment. This study employs a price endogenous mathematical programming model to simultaneously simulate the market operations under various feedstocks to energy conversion rates, energy prices, and greenhouse gas (GHG) prices. The result shows pyrolysis-based electricity can reach up to 2.75 billion kWh annually, but it will be driven out at low conversion rate and high GHG price. Pyrolysis plus biochar application will be the optimal option in terms of carbon sequestration. Market valuation on potential threats of extreme weather could have substantial influences on ethanol and renewable electricity generation. To achieve aimed GHG emission reduction and/or bioenergy production, government intervention may be involved to align the market operation with Taiwan’s environmental policy.