Biomass-related sustainability: A review of the literature and interpretive structural modeling

Susana Garrido Azevedo, Tiago Sequeira, Marcelo Santos and Luis Mendes ()

Energy, 2019, vol. 171, issue C, 1107-1125

Abstract: In this paper we identify a concept of countries' biomass-related sustainability through a revision of the literature and the opinion of professionals, and identify the main reasons that prevent biomass from being a major source of energy production (adversities and constraints). The Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) methodology was used for establishing the causal and hierarchical relationships among the variables linked with the adversities and constraints associated with the production of biofuel from biomass and their impact on countries' biomass-related sustainability. At the base of the concept of biomass related countries' sustainability we identify an important constraint associated with the high energy production costs, but also the necessity of supporting new investments, which will drive technological innovations in this sector and allow for an increase in efficiency. The paper presents an innovative approach to the research of biofuel production from biomass by suggesting not only a concept of countries' biomass-related sustainability but also by exploring causal and hierarchical relationships between adversities/constraints of biofuel production and impact on countries' sustainability.

Keywords: Bioenergy; Biomass; Sustainability; Countries' development (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 O25 O35 Q23 Q42 Q43 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (12)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:energy:v:171:y:2019:i:c:p:1107-1125

DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2019.01.068

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