The potential and economics of bioenergy in Finland

This article summarises the results from four studies on the potential of bioenergy, and one study on the economic feasibility of distributed renewable energy production, in Ostrobothnia, Finland. The scope of the studies was to explore the degree of energy self-sufficiency that could be achieved, and the economic implications and benefits. The results suggest that a great majority of rural areas have the potential for being self-sufficient in their energy production through bioenergy alone, but other renewable energy sources (RES), including for example wind and solar power, will make an even greater contribution in the future. This applies to areas especially outside the largest population centres and most energy intensive industries. Indeed, in peripheral regions the renewable energy potential far exceeds the energy demand, and the spatial coverage of energy self-sufficiency is huge. Other European and global studies also show tremendous RES potential. The economics of small scale power generation units, here represented by biogas plants, are already feasible, despite the technology still being at an early developmental phase. Diffusion of these technologies depends on a number of factors, but single and separate units are emerging all the time. The adoption of RES based energy management systems will however be a long social process. The results give rise to an expectation for more RES based energy generation in Ostrobothnia and Finland and even in Europe and globally. In a time frame of 20-30 years, this development may result in structural changes across the whole energy sector. This comprehensive movement can only be understood and supported by multi- and cross-scientific approaches, and it will in future be a challenge for forthcoming research. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.