A Review of Bioenergy Use in Some European Countries

Abstract

This paper is a brief review of the current bioenergy utilization scenario in five European countries, namely Denmark, Finland Sweden, Austria and the Netherlands. The level of bioenergy utilization varies from around 3% to slightly more than 20% of their total energy consumption. Straw; forestry thinning and residues; peat; animal, industrial and municipal organic wastes as well as landfill gas form the main sources of the bioenergy used. These bioenergy sources are use mainly for heat production while some electrical power are also generated. Whatever feasible combined heat and power (CHP) systems are adopted. The concept of energy crops is also being pursued in all of these countries but at different levels of enthusiasm.