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Biogas is efficient renewable energy source concerning greenhouse gases emission (GHG) reduction and waste disposal. The most abundant biogas substrates are originating from agriculture, i.e., energy plants and wastes such as manure, and respective production and utilization can be used to support rural development. Defining sustainable potentials, i.e., realistic value under defined conditions, of biogas production in some geographical region is important, as a background for policy development on a national, regional, and even local level. The objective of the study was defying method for its assessment. The characteristics of the proposed method are as follows: (1) biogas potential is expressed in electric power of cogeneration units that can operate with biogas produced from available feedstock. Available thermal energy, or biomethane production, can be calculated based on biogas potential; (2) the determined sustainable potential is based on environmental, technological, and socio-economic criteria; (3) the assessment is related to the actual substrates' availability, whereby expected technological advancements are considered. Developed method has been tested in the form of a case study for Serbia and obtained outcomes compared with studies previously done by other authors. The potential is lower than previously assessed. The forecasted technology advancements and reduction of specific investment costs in the future can contribute to the increase of potential, higher share of wastes and by-products in substrates. New, smaller biogas plants would be constructed in undeveloped regions, what could contribute to rural development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Satisfying an increasing wood demand for material and energy in EU’s future bioeconomy is a big challenge. Under the spotlight of EU’s climate and energy policies, wood is a key contributor to the renewable energy targets. The aim of our paper is to review and discuss how forests and wood can sustainably and efficiently contribute to such intensified goals. EU’s existing legal frameworks for legal timber harvesting (EUTR), renewable energy use (EU-RED) and waste treatment give valuable principles for EU’s Member States and market sectors. Nevertheless, an efficient wood cascade should first be part of widespread certification, directly at the first intake of harvested logs. One extra issue –guaranteeing efficient use of forest fibers– could be included, to maintain optimum fiber cascading. This prevents a first intake of high-quality wood for energy (pellet mills) or paper production (pulp mills). Second, extra support can be considered for harvested high-quality trees, for example, via the use of wood in buildings and wood for construction. Third, more attention is needed on an European level for innovation at the end of life, like using post-consumer wood waste for wood-based panels or wood pellets, pulp waste for new bioeconomy products and improved efficiency processes for recycling and incineration. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Mexico's government has introduced a Law on Climate Change that is unique worldwide; it establishes targets for greenhouse gases reductions at the same level of developed countries despite being an emerging country. This reform represents a crucial challenge for the electrical and transport sectors largely dependent on fossil energy since Mexico is the ninth-largest oil producer in the world. Local industry and academic sectors are called to lead the introduction of renewable energy sources, and particularly to enhance the share of energy from biomass in the local energy basket. Thus, this paper outlines the baseline on regulatory, energy, and carbon markets, and the scientific capacity to increase bioenergy utilization in Mexico. Furthermore, it opens a discussion about the steps forward with regard to sustainability and research needs, emphasizing some priorities and principles to develop a bioenergy system environmentally compatible in this country. © 2014 The Authors. Biofuels, Bioproducts, Biorefining published by Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]