17 June 2024
16:15
Louvain-la-Neuve
Place Sainte Barbe, auditorium BARB 91
In the context of the energy transition, biomass represents a pivotal player for a sustainable future. This thesis delves into the multifaceted role of biomass, exploring its potential, its final uses and the challenges it faces in shaping a sustainable energy landscape. The work acknowledges the complexity surrounding biomass for energy and aims to provide a nuanced and comprehensive discussion to understand its place in the transition.
The thesis first evaluates the potential of biomass for the energy transition on both national and continental scales, emphasizing the interdisciplinary nature of estimating biomass potential. The study reveals the substantial potential contribution of biomass to energy needs, particularly from forestry products and agricultural residues. It also highlights the associated political challenges regarding resource management and land use. Additionally, it investigates the potential of energy crops, focusing on lignocellulosic crops on marginal lands, and discusses the ethical considerations of utilizing such areas. Furthermore, the thesis analyses the Energy Return On Investment (EROI) of forestry products, emphasizing their significance in the energy landscape. Afterwards, the optimal use of biomass in the energy system is discussed with the whole energy system model EnergyScope. The importance of biomass for the production of high-temperature heat and non-energy demand is highlighted. Finally, the thesis broadens its focus to highlight the potential role of biomass as a catalyst for
transformative thinking, urging a reevaluation of concepts surrounding nature and energy. It argues for a more pluralistic and politicised understanding of these concepts, positioning biomass as a key vehicle for initiating such critical reflections and transcending dualistic perspectives.
Jury members :
- Prof. Julien Blondeau (VUB, Belgium), supervisor
- Prof. Hervé Jeanmart (UCLouvain, Belgium), supervisor
- Prof. Aude Simar (UCLouvain, Belgium), chairperson
- Prof. Svend Bram (VUB, Belgium)
- Prof. Dimitrios Aggelis (VUB, Belgium)
- Dr. Guillaume Boissonnet (CEA, France)
- Dr. Giuseppe Cardellini (VITO, Belgium)
- Dr. Daniele Costa (VITO, Belgium)
- Dr. Yves Ryckmans (Engie, Belgium)