Climate Change and Small Scale Applications

Climate Change Research Objectives & Activities

This Research Area will measure, evaluate and analyse the role of bioenergy developments in addressing climate change.  Areas for study include: the greenhouse gas (GHG) balances of bioenergy systems, climate mechanisms and feedbacks, quantifying bioenergy based GHG mitigation, climate policies relevant to bioenergy, economic viability of bioenergy when considering climate externalities, and the public awareness and acceptance of bioenergy.  The group is currently looking at the barriers that limit the implementation of climate strategies and related bioenergy development.  From these barriers, strengths of the NoE, and relevance to bioenergy development -- RTD goals will be identified and Joint Activities Proposed to Overcome the Barriers.

The Team

The Climate Issues Team is led by Hannes Schwaiger, an expert in bioenergy systems and climate change.  He is supported by team members: Sampo Soimakallio from VTT, Andr? Wakker from ECN, J?rgen Vehlow from FZK, Kes McCormick from IIIEE, Heiko Gerhauser from Aston, Anna Oniszk-Poplawska from EC-BREC, and Mary Bruno from INRA.

Small Scale Applications Objectives & Activities

Small-scale bioenergy systems represent a promising way of quickly increasing bioenergy use throughout Europe. Biomass, such as small forests or energy crops, is local by nature. Small-scale operations that are close to the fuel-source are often the most cost-effective utilisation of biomass.

This team is examining the entire field of small-scale combustion systems including: heating facilities, fuel issues and combustion processes, CHP and district heat, and finally legislation, market and public acceptance of small-scale systems.  The team has analysed the major barriers preventing small-scale systems from competing with other energy sources.  R&D goals and proposals for joint research to help overcome these barriers is now being undertaken.  

The Team

The Small-scale Applications Team is led by Reinhard Padinger an expert in the combustion of biomass and industrial residues.  He is supported by team members Heikki Oravainen at VTT, Luc Rabou at ECN, J?rgen Vehlow and Britta Bergfeldt from FZK, Kes McCormick from IIIEE, John Brammer from Aston, Marcin Pisarek, Magdalena Zowisk, Marcin Okonek and Anna Oniszk-Poplawska from EC BREC, Bernard Kurek and Nathalie Gagnaire from INRA.