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Abstract This paper provides estimates of available agricultural residues at the European level. It complements previous studies by expanding the geographical study area to 36 European countries, and improving the methodology by incorporating temporal variability of the theoretical potential resources and taking into consideration technical and environmental constraints. The amount of residues potentially obtainable from the main crops cultivated in Europe, namely wheat, rye, barley, oats, maize, rice, rapeseed and sunflower was assessed. Detailed spatial distribution maps of different crop residue potentials (theoretical, technical, environmental and sustainable) are provided at 1 km spatial resolution. The average theoretical potential was estimated at 291 and 367 Mt DM in the EU and Europe, respectively. Significant yearly variability of crop residue production has been noticed, between 209 and 365 million tonnes dry yr−1 (3673–6389 PJ) in the EU and between 253 and 483 million tonnes dry yr−1 (4434–8453 PJ) across Europe. The average technical potential of crop residue was estimated at 168 million tonnes dry yr−1 (2941 PJ) in the EU and at 212 million tonnes dry yr−1 (3715 PJ) in Europe. The average sustainable potential considering both technical and environmental constraints in each location was estimated at about 124 million tonnes dry yr−1 (2162 PJ) in the EU and at 14 Mt DM (2601 PJ) in Europe. Highlights • Detailed theoretical, technical, environmental & sustainable spatially explicit potentials are estimated at European level. • Temporal variability of crop residues production is important, with potential impact on their use. • The CENTURY model provides sustainable removal rates, which allow the maintenance of soil organic matter at current levels. • Specific technical and environmental constraints determine the spatial distribution of biomass that could be collected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Cameroon is a central African country located at the bottom of the Gulf of Guinea. It has huge forest resources and over 70% of active population is employed in agriculture, fishery and livestock. Therefore, a lot of residues are generated from activities and most of them are not used for energy purpose. The goal of this paper is threefold: first, quantifying and assessing the energy potential of these residues; second, investigating the corresponding conversion systems; and third, analyzing the importance of biomass as a source of energy and its potential contribution to sustainable development of the country. Four biomass sources are considered in the study: forest residues, agricultural crop residues, animal manure and Municipal Solid Wastes (MSW). The potential of each source is estimated for the base year 2012. Our estimation shows that animal manure and organic fraction of MSW can produce almost 1 km3 of biogas annually. Also, the total potential of electricity generation from all the sources is estimated to be about 67.5 TWh.y−1, representing approximately twelve times the Cameroon's total electric production of 2010; implying that biomass sources could significantly contribute towards meeting the future energy requirement of the country. Depending on the type and quantity of biomass source, desired final energy, environmental impact and economic conditions, the conversion of biomass into energy can be achieved by thermo-chemical and biological conversion systems that are currently at different stages of research, development, demonstration and commercialization. Highlights • Abundant and untapped biomass resources. • An electricity generation potential representing about twelve times the total electric production of 2010. • Forest residues alone contribute over 90% of the overall energy potential of biomass residues. • Available, mature and proven conversion systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: There are considerable biomass resources in the European Union (EU) and mature conversion technologies to exploit the potentials of bioenergy. The challenge confronting the EU and member states is how to accelerate the implementation of bioenergy systems. This paper contributes to the identification, analysis, and discussion of barriers for bioenergy in the EU. Adopting an innovative methodology involving industry interactions, research workshops, and case studies, this paper identified economic conditions, know-how and institutional capacity, and supply chain co-ordination as the key barriers obstructing the expansion of bioenergy. The case studies expose four points about barriers to bioenergy. First, there are no absolute barriers to realising the potentials of bioenergy in the EU. Second, it is non-technical challenges that are hindering bioenergy rather than technical issues. Third, barriers for bioenergy are dynamic and depend on the context. Fourth, there are consistent strategies and interventions in the case studies to overcome barriers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]