@misc{LeunerHirschl, author = {Leuner, Bruna and Hirschl, Bernd}, title = {Biomass and bioenergy perspectives of a coal region: status quo, potential and scenarios in Lusatia}, series = {Frontiers in Energy Research}, volume = {Vol. 11(2023)}, journal = {Frontiers in Energy Research}, issn = {2296-598X}, doi = {10.3389/fenrg.2023.1275733}, pages = {1 -- 14}, abstract = {Coal has been one of the main fuels used in Europe. Its decreasing role due to the ongoing transformation of the energy system will create significant socio-economic challenges. The switch into renewable energy systems could be an alternative to maintain jobs and economic activities within the affected regions. Biomass use and bioenergy can play an important role in the energy transition. Instead of energy crops, forest and agricultural residues should be used as biogenic energy sources in the future to avoid impacts on land use and food security. The main objective of this article is to investigate the biomass potential of a coal region and to provide scenarios for the future development of bioenergy production. Due to the changing framework conditions and, as a result, the different biomass focuses, previous bioenergy potential estimates must be reviewed. The methods for determining the potential of biomass for energy production was used for Lusatia (in German: Lausitz), the second largest coal region in Germany. These methods can also be applied in other regions. As a first step, the regional status quo assessment of cultivated areas and yields had decisive relevance for calculating biomass potential ranges. In a second step, the current bioenergy facilities in the region were identified, with a focus on power and heat production. The third step was the estimation of future regional bioenergy use. Therefore, the regional potential was gathered with the generally supra-regional framework conditions. For this purpose, national scenario studies were used, which contain the relevant target values and framework conditions. Two scenarios were developed for future bioenergy estimations: a conservative path based on the current policies and a progressive path, derived from the goal of climate neutrality by 2045. The results show a qualitative comparison among both scenarios and the previously determined potential ranges. Bioenergy can probably contribute to achieving climate neutrality with an increase in wood-fired systems, while agricultural bioenergy potential is likely to decline. In the discussion section, however, the uncertainty of these results is pointed out, as future use of bioenergy will be heavily influenced by the regulatory framework, competition with material use and the influences of climate change.}, language = {en} } @misc{BodeSaleckiHirschl, author = {Bode, Annika and Salecki, Steven and Hirschl, Bernd}, title = {Unlocking local value-added opportunities in the energy transition in former coal regions—the case of Lusatia (Lausitz)}, series = {List Forum f{\"u}r Wirtschafts- und Finanzpolitik}, volume = {49}, journal = {List Forum f{\"u}r Wirtschafts- und Finanzpolitik}, issn = {2364-3943}, doi = {10.1007/s41025-023-00254-1}, pages = {69 -- 92}, abstract = {The main result of this study is that Lusatia, as an energy transition and structural change region, still has high expansion potential for photovoltaic and wind energy systems. In 2040, electricity production from wind turbines could reach four times the current level. In the case of photovoltaic systems, around seven to eight times the current level is possible. Only in the area of biomass has the expansion potential already been largely exhausted. The building sector can also contribute to achieving climate neutrality. If the renovation rate is significantly increased to 3.3\% per year by 2040, the required heating energy can be reduced by around 60\%. At the same time, these energy transition scenarios are evaluated with regard to their regional economic opportunities for Lusatia. In an ambitious climate neutrality scenario, around 450 million euros in regional added value can be generated in 2040 and around 3560 full-time jobs can be filled. In order for this to succeed, however, the citizens and municipalities must first be given more opportunities for financial participation through appropriate framework conditions at federal and state level. We see financial benefits for the population and the municipalities as a critical success factor in order to be able to provide the necessary space, initiate investments and ultimately contribute to local acceptance.}, language = {en} } @incollection{Hirschl, author = {Hirschl, Bernd}, title = {Berlin's pathway to climate neutrality: scenarios and measures for a European metropole}, series = {Smart Cities, Energy and Climate: Governing Cities for a Low-Carbon Future}, booktitle = {Smart Cities, Energy and Climate: Governing Cities for a Low-Carbon Future}, editor = {Golubchikov, Oleg and Yenneti, Komali}, edition = {1. Auflage}, publisher = {John Wiley \& Sons Ltd.}, address = {Hoboken, New Jersey, USA}, isbn = {9781118640661}, doi = {10.1002/9781118641156.ch9}, pages = {147 -- 166}, abstract = {The adoption of the Paris Agreement fundamentally altered the foundation of climate protection concepts, programs, and targets around the world in all countries and communities. Not only at the national level, but in many cities and communities, ambitious ways to achieve climate neutrality have been sought since then. Thus, even in the big city and metropolis of Berlin, at the same time a federal state and the capital of the Federal Republic of Germany, new ways were developed and political instruments discussed. In this chapter, we use the example of Berlin to show how a fossil-fuelled city can move towards climate neutrality in all sectors. Restriction-based scenarios are used to address conflicting goals and identify possible solutions. From this, recommendations for urban measures for climate neutrality are derived, which must be supplemented by appropriate political climate governance.}, language = {en} } @misc{Hirschl, author = {Hirschl, Bernd}, title = {Wasserstoff ohne Wasser?! Herstellungsverfahren von Wasserstoff}, series = {{\"O}kologisches Wirtschaften : Ideen und Konzepte f{\"u}r die Wirtschaft der Zukunft}, volume = {39}, journal = {{\"O}kologisches Wirtschaften : Ideen und Konzepte f{\"u}r die Wirtschaft der Zukunft}, number = {2}, issn = {1430-8800}, pages = {28 -- 29}, language = {de} } @misc{HirschlKern, author = {Hirschl, Bernd and Kern, Florian}, title = {Hoffnungstr{\"a}ger Wasserstoff. Einf{\"u}hrung in das Schwerpunktthema}, series = {{\"O}kologisches Wirtschaften : Ideen und Konzepte f{\"u}r die Wirtschaft der Zukunft}, volume = {39}, journal = {{\"O}kologisches Wirtschaften : Ideen und Konzepte f{\"u}r die Wirtschaft der Zukunft}, number = {2}, issn = {1430-8800}, pages = {14 -- 15}, language = {de} } @misc{LenkZozmannBluhmetal., author = {Lenk, Clara and Zozmann, Elmar and Bluhm, Hannes and Hirschl, Bernd}, title = {Biochar carbon removal from residues in Germany—assessment from environmental and economic perspectives}, series = {Environmental Research Letters}, volume = {19}, journal = {Environmental Research Letters}, number = {11}, publisher = {IOP Publishing}, issn = {1748-9326}, doi = {10.1088/1748-9326/ad83e3}, pages = {11}, abstract = {The topic of biochar carbon removal (BCR), which refers to the pyrolysis of biomass, is increasingly being discussed as a potential solution for the long-term removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. However, BCR technology assessments in Germany, which are used as the basis for strategic decision-making, are often limited to woody biomass as an input material and are based on old data. Consequently, this study focuses on BCR from forest residues, straw and sewage sludge and assesses its contribution to negative emissions under current techno-economic framework conditions. Using life cycle assessment and annuity method, as well as complementary stakeholder engagement formats, the study provides a comprehensive analysis of BCR pathways in Germany based on an empirical, up-to-date data basis. The results highlight the environmental advantages of BCR, particularly in reducing greenhouse gas emissions compared to the conventional treatment of residues. The economic feasibility of BCR is uncertain, with profitability dependent on plant scale, biomass type and the integration of energy co-products. Stakeholder insights underscore the necessity for supportive policies and investment in BCR technology to enhance scalability. This interdisciplinary approach enriches the discourse on BCR's role in achieving carbon neutrality and offers a robust data foundation for future evaluations.}, language = {en} }