ECONOMIC ASSESSMENT OF BIOMASS HEATING PROJECTS IN FRANCE: IMPACT OF A CARBON TAX DEVELOPMENT AND USE OF A SIMULATION MODEL FED BY THE PROFESSION

摘要

To decide whether or not a biomass heating project should be undertaken, an assessment of itsrneconomic relevance has to be made. This concept is mostly based on a comparison of the “full cost” between the heatrnproduced by the biomass unit and a “reference” fossil alternative. The purpose of the work is to set up a commonrnframework to help and manage this process. This implies harmonizing the principles and building a simulating toolrndesigned to enable to compare the impact of the various parameters influencing the economical outcome as well asrnthe associated subsidies required, in the French context. Leveraging on this tool, several sensitivity analysis havernbeen performed. A specific application has been conducted to determine what impact the potential introduction of arncarbon tax in France would have, in time, on projects’ economic relevance and therefore on biomass projectsrndevelopment overall. A comparison with Sweden, which already has implemented such a tax, has also been made.rnGiven the anticipated levels, such a measure would indeed have a positive impact, but would not prevent fromrncontinuing to require public subsidies, at least until fossil fuel prices stabilize to a higher level.