Scope and limitations of bioenergy systems

MANRIQUE, SILVINA M

ENERLAC Magazine

OLADE

Lugar: Quito; Año: 2013 vol. 5 p. 51 - 86

1390-5171

Biomass-set not fossilized organic materials-can be used as source of renewable energy, contributing to the partial substitution of fossil fuels (with limited global reserves) and to the reduction of polluting gases and effect greenhouse (GHG) associated to global overheating. In Argentina, 90% dependent on fossil sources, bioenergy could play a significant role so it is being currently promoted their employment. The province of Salta has been identified as one of the potential areas for the implementation of Bioenergy Systems (BS) but at the beginning of this investigation, there was virtually no information generated on different aspects and possibilities of local biomass. The objective of this study was to assess the level of contribution that the biomass of the Lerma Valley (province center) could be as strategic tools for the implementation of more sustainable energy systems. The main variables (indicators) were studied, agreed, quantified and measured for three defined BS. These BS were comparatively evaluated through a theoretical-analytical framework of sustainability -built for this purposeincluded the following links (expressed as partial Indices, which integrated the values of measured indicators): Participation, Resources, Technology and Impacts. The BS got an Index of Sustainability (IS) that ranged from ?acceptable? to ?high?, according to the defined scale. The contributions of this work can identify in three key areas: i) generation of scientific and technical knowledge for the planned management of the biomass of the Lerma Valley; ((ii) construction and development of novel methodologies for analysis and evaluation of sustainability and iii) contribution of specific results in the field of bioenergy, which will allow the integration of sectors and regions with specific proposals, by directing them towards higher local sustainability levels.