Assessing Biomass Feasibility

Austria

Key Statistics
Area: 83,850 km²
Forest Cover: 38,780 km² (46%)
Population: 7,988,000
Biomass Utilisation: 9% primary energy.
Steady growth since 1980, very fast since 1997.
Biomass Applications: Like Sweden biomass was first utilised in the forestry industry. This has since expanded to include heating from district heating networks on a village scale (approx 700), large buildings to individual pellet boilers. Wood chip systems installed range from <100 – 1000kW.
Economics: Woodchips approx 1.314– 1.643pence/kWh.
Pellets approx 1.97pence/kWh.
054 - .061 (excluding VAT) per kWh for district heating
Governement Support: District heating schemes received capital subsidies of 40-50% until 1996 under the District heating Promotion Act. Funding now switched to Local Authorities. Federal Environment Fund established to support renewable energy, €47 million in 2002. Competitive loans were given for conversion to biomass for fossil fuels. Energy tax on gas and electricity introduced; these are also liable for 20% VAT.

Biomass Growth Analysis:

Contributing factors to high biomass infiltration are: -

• High availability of wood and therefore fuel source.
• Fuel quality regulated (accreditation scheme).
• Wood processing industry needed to manage waste products.
• Acceptance of utilising biomass within general public, government awareness campaigns.
• Technological development i.e. development of automatic feeding, ash removal and efficiency improvements from 60-90%.
• Development of competition between suppliers.

References:

European Renewable Energy Council, 2004. ‘Renewable Energy Policy Review: Austria.’ Brussels: EREC
Rakos, C., 2001. ‘How Biomass Use Developed In Austria.’ Vienna: Austrian Energy Agency
Unknown, 2007. ‘Different Types Domestic Heating Systems with Wood.’
Map (Royalty Free Image)

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