Sustainable Biomass Resource Development and Use
NREL's international work in sustainability analysis includes biomass resource use and impact assessment. This analysis examines how we can use existing resources in a sustainable manner. It also examines the environmental and socio-economic impacts of resource development and use.
Our analysts also look at the relationship of sustainable land use and biomass resource development. They look at whether there is available land to support bioenergy. They also study how we can use this available land for biomass resource development in a sustainable manner. Another key question is how biomass resource development is linked to food supply, water use, biodiversity, job creation, and market development.
One example of this type of analysis is for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in Liberia.
This analysis estimates the amount of sustainable biomass resources available in Liberia and their contribution for power generation and transportation fuels production. Resources being considered include:
- Agricultural resources (food and cash crop residues, animal manure)
- Forest resources (logging residues)
- Urban resources (municipal solid waste)
The analysis will also evaluate expansion of key biomass resources in Liberia including oil palm, coconut, and sugarcane; as well as the potential of Jatropha Curcas as an energy crop
And, finally, it discusses socio-economic and environmental implications of biomass resource development in Liberia.
More Information
For more information on sustainable biomass resource assessments, access the following publications:
"Assessment of Biomass Resources in Liberia" (PDF 3.5 MB) Download Adobe Reader by Anelia Milbrandt
"Assessment of Biomass Resources from Marginal Lands in APEC Economies" by Anelia Milbrandt and Ralph Overend
"A Geographic Perspective on the Current Biomass Resource Availability in the United States" (PDF 2.4 MB) Download Adobe Reader by Anelia Milbrandt
To talk with an analyst about projects related to sustainable biomass resource development and use, contact Anelia Milbrandt
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