@article{LeunerHirschl2024, 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 = {11}, journal = {Frontiers in Energy Research}, publisher = {Frontiers}, address = {Lausanne}, issn = {2296-598X}, doi = {10.3389/fenrg.2023.1275733}, year = {2024}, 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.}, subject = {Regional biomass potential; Bioenergy scenarios; Coal region; Regional energy transition; Lusatia; Regionales Biomassepotenzial; Bioenergieszenarien; Kohleregion; Regionale Energiewende; Lausitz}, language = {en} } @article{LeunerHirschlBezerraetal.2025, author = {Leuner, Bruna and Hirschl, Bernd and Bezerra, Pedro Henrique and Pedrosa Quintino, Wellington and Bezerra, Roberta and Cavalcante Silva, Rodolfo}, title = {Indigenous bioeconomy in Brazil : how to determine the local biomass potential in indigenous territories}, series = {Journal of Integrative Environmental Sciences}, volume = {22}, journal = {Journal of Integrative Environmental Sciences}, number = {1}, publisher = {Taylor \& Francis}, address = {London}, issn = {1943-8168}, doi = {10.1080/1943815X.2025.2566009}, year = {2025}, abstract = {The increased expansion of agricultural areas in central Brazil has been cited as a contributing factor to deforestation, soil degradation and water pollution. The impact of this expansion extends beyond the boundaries of the territory of the Xavante indigenous group. These protected areas have experienced a marked decline in available food resources and an unreliable energy supply. The term "indigenous bioeconomy" represents a holistic approach that aims to enhance the well-being of indigenous communities. It recognises indigenous knowledge and promotes the sustainable use of resources. The indigenous bioeconomy contributes to climate protection, by avoiding deforestation and replacing the use of fossil fuels in isolated areas with biogenic alternatives. This paper analyses the local biomass potential of a community within the Pimentel Barbosa Indigenous Territory of the Xavante ethnic group. Participatory research was employed to gain an in-depth understanding of the customary Xavante practices. The theoretical biomass potential was estimated at around 2700 tonnes per year (t/a), which is defined as the total amount of selected biomass types available in the investigated area. Local practical biomass potential considers the per capita consumption of this biomass by the indigenous population. Furthermore, the authors quantified the unused biomass potential, representing biomass that could be used for various purposes including food, medicine and energy. Biomass residues have an untapped potential of around 180 t/a. The paper outlines possible utilisation scenarios for these residues and considers the challenges associated with food and energy security in indigenous territories.}, subject = {Indigenous bioeconomy; Local biomass potential; Cerrado biome; Xavante}, language = {en} }