(July 26, 2012) In a statement on the chances and limits of using bioenergy, the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina has come to the conclusion that in quantitative terms, bioenergy plays a minor role in the transition to renewable, sustainable energy sources in Germany at the present time and probably in the future. Bioenergy requires more surface area, is associated with higher greenhouse gas emissions and is more harmful to the environment than other renewable sources such as photovoltaic, solar thermal energy and wind energy. In addition, energy crops potentially compete with food crops. The report recommends finding strategies for saving energy and increasing energy efficiency.
The Leopoldina’s statement
“Bioenergy – Chances and Limits” was compiled by a working group of more than
20 expert scientists established in 2010. The report provides recommendations
for using bioenergy, defined as energy obtained from burning of non-fossil
plant biomass or biofuels derived primarily from biomass.
The statement also outlines under
which conditions the utilization of bioenergy is appropriate and what kind of
technologies are currently available or are being developed to convert biomass
into biofuels such as bioethanol and biodiesel. In addition, it introduces
various scientific approaches aimed at producing hydrogen from water in a
sustainable and environmentally friendly manner.