The feasibility of large-scale lignocellulose-based bioenergy production

Global, large-scale use of bioenergy may replace a significant part of pres ent fossil fuel use. We show that labor availability and water resources ar e large compared to those required to operate a bioenergy system of such si ze. The present study contradicts the assertion by Giampietro et al. [Biosc ience 47(9) (1997) 587], that labor and water availability provide invincib le barriers to a large-scale use of biofuels. We examine water and labor re quirements under more reasonable assumptions about bioenergy supply options and demand levels. Bioenergy supplies are based on dedicated plantations o f lignocellulosic crops and bioenergy demand is based on the renewable inte nsive global energy scenarios (RIGES). We find that labor and water require ments are an order of magnitude lower than the estimates by Giampietro et a l. For instance, labor requirements do not exceed 1 percent of the estimate d total work force in any country. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All right s reserved.