The Sustainability of Combustible Renewables

Abstract

Sustainability of renewable energy systems must support both human and ecosystem health over the long term, and goals on tolerable emissions should look well into the future. The sustainability of combustible renewables for energy use requires a high efficiency recycling of energy and low emissions of carbon compounds, NO_x, persistent organics, and acidifying compounds and heavy metals due to biomass combustion. Electricity generation from combustible renewables has been found to be a promising method in the near future. The electricity is generated from combustible renewables, and advanced gasification and pyrolysis technologies are almost ready for commercial scale use. The electricity costs are in the 6–8 c/kWh range. Combustible renewables are utilized in different economic sectors in the OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) countries. The combustible renewables are mainly used in the residential sector in non-OECD countries.

Keywords:

• biomass
• energy efficiency
• renewables
• sustainability
• wastes