The IEA Task “Greenhouse Gas Balances of Biomass and Bioenergy Systems” lasts for the period 2001 – 2003.

One important aspect of environmental and energy policy in most of the European countries is the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, in particular these gases are carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrogen oxide (N2O). Possibilities for the reduction in the energy sector are an improvement in energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy like hydro power, biomass, solar energy and wind instead of fossil energy.

The presented case study is taken from Jungmeier et al. 1999. It deals with the quantification of greenhouse gas emissions of bioenergy systems and the comparison with the greenhouse gas emissions of fossil energy systems. Bioenergy systems are defined as a combination of different technical installations, that use solid, liquid and gaseous fuels from biogenic resources to supply heat and electricity. These resources originate from forestry, agriculture, trade and industry. Bioenergy systems for the combined supply of heat and electricity that are expected for the Austrian situation in the year 2000 and 2020, are analysed.

This case study follows the international standard ISO 14 040 „Life Cycle Assessment".