The potential for biomass to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions in the Northeastern US. Northeast Regional Biomass Program

Technical Report · Wed Apr 01 00:00:00 EST 1992

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/10190075· OSTI ID:10190075

Bernow, S S; Gurney, K; Prince, G; Cyr, M

This study, for the Northeast Regional Biomass Program (NRBP) of the Coalition of Northeast Governors (CONEG), evaluates the potential for local, state and regional biomass policies to contribute to an overall energy/biomass strategy for the reduction of greenhouse gas releases in the Northeastern United States. Biomass is a conditionally renewable resource that can play a dual role: by reducing emissions of greenhouse gases in meeting our energy needs; and by removing carbon from the atmosphere and sequestering it in standing biomass stocks and long-lived products. In this study we examine the contribution of biomass to the energy system in the Northeast and to the region`s net releases of carbon dioxide and methane, and project these releases over three decades, given a continuation of current trends and policies. We then compare this Reference Case with three alternative scenarios, assuming successively more aggressive efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through strategic implementation of energy efficiency and biomass resources. Finally, we identify and examine policy options for expanding the role of biomass in the region`s energy and greenhouse gas mitigation strategies.

• Research Organization: Tellus Inst., Inc., Boston, MA (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: FG05-83OR21389
• OSTI ID: 10190075
• Report Number(s): DOE/OR/21389-38; ON: DE93002800
• Resource Relation: Other Information: PBD: Apr 1992
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

09 BIOMASS FUELS
29 ENERGY PLANNING
POLICY AND ECONOMY
GREENHOUSE EFFECT
MITIGATION
BIOMASS
ENERGY SOURCE DEVELOPMENT
ENERGY POLICY
CLIMATIC CHANGE
FORESTRY
BIOMASS PLANTATIONS
WOOD-FUEL POWER PLANTS
REFUSE-FUELED POWER PLANTS
095000
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299000
ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS
REGIONAL AND GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS
UNCONVENTIONAL SOURCES AND POWER GENERATION