International trade in lignocellulose biomass

The future use of bioenergy will mostly focus on solid biofuels such as woodpellets and agri- products, as well as liquids for power generation (vegetable oils). Looking at the future developments and intertwining, the raw materials market will also be the source market for the second generation bio liquids such as bio ethanol and biodiesel. In the following graph the interfacing between those markets is highlighted. The distinction between upstream, midstream and downstream is made to clearly split market activities and areas (see fig. 1)

Fig 1.

This presentation will discuss the expected future developments in the international trade of lignocellulosic feedstocks for energy purposes, including the required logistics and the potential impact of the advent of large-scale second generation biofuels production. Moreover, the importance of sustainable sourcing will be highlighting, presenting the Green Gold Label for Solid biomass as an example of a track-and-trace certification system for sustainable biomass, including production, processing, transport and final energy transformation.

On the author:

Peter - Paul (P.J.W.G.) Schouwenberg, Director Biofuels and Development at Duferco Energy International  and Task leader of  IEA Bioenergy Task40, has long-term experience in the international sourcing of large quantities of solid and liquid biomass for electricity production. In his former position at essent, he was directly involve din the development of the Green Gold Label.