The Potential for Bioenergy Crop Production in Baden-Wuerttemberg: An Application of EPIC and GIS to Bioenergy Modeling

Neuvonen, S. (2005). The Potential for Bioenergy Crop Production in Baden-Wuerttemberg: An Application of EPIC and GIS to Bioenergy Modeling. IIASA Interim Report. IIASA, Laxenburg, Austria: IR-05-013

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Abstract

Greenhouse gas emissions resulting from burning fossil fuels are affecting the climate of our planet. In order to abate this climate change, changes have to be made in the systems of energy production. Sustainable use of bioenergy causes no net emissions of CO2 and can also help to reduce the emissions of NOx. The issue has also political relevance, as the European Union has made political commitments to meet 15% of its real primary energy demand using renewable sources by 2010. This study examines the usability of the EPIC model (Environmental Policy Integrated Climate) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) methods to estimate the potentials of bioenergy crop production in Baden-Wuerttemberg. The productivity estimates for different areas given by the model are distributed spatially over the study area. Productivities of different species and management options in different areas are compared. Also the use of other suitability aspects (agricultural productivity, production costs) in estimating real potentials is examined. Based on the results, the usability of this methodology on a European scale is discussed.

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