BIOMASS UTILIZATION AND TRANSPORTATION DEMANDS

The need for biomass transportation depends on the balance between loc ally produced biomass and the local demand for fuel. In Sweden, more t han 80% of the biomass assumed to be required to replace fossil fuels for the production of electricity and heat can be produced locally wit hin each county, if biomass is extensively utilised. The average trans portation distance of the remaining 20% will be between 100 and 200 km , which increases the cost of this biomass by 15-20%. Considering a ye arly biomass potential of 430 PJ, based on estimated biomass productio n conditions around 2015, 190 PJ/yr excess biomass will remain after f ossil fuels for electricity and heat production have been replaced. Th is biomass can be converted to methanol to replace petrol and diesel, or can be used in new electricity production plants. The production of biomass-based methanol will not lead to a high demand for transportat ion, as the methanol produced from local biomass and can mainly be use d locally. Biomass used for electricity production will increase the n eed for transportation if electricity is cogenerated in district heati ng systems, as such systems are usually located in densely populated a reas with a deficit of biomass.