The role of bioenergy in the German “Energiewende”—whose demands can be satisfied by bioenergy?

摘要

The transformation of the energy system and especially the electricity system into a renewable-based system requires systemic changes of the different system components. The planned progressive decommissioning of fossil- or nuclear-based power plants implies that renewable-based power plants need to take over their functions. This article examines the possible role of bioenergy-based plants during the different phases of the energy system transformation. Our findings provide strong evidence that bioenergy can supply the necessary balancing and ancillary services in order to guarantee system stability and security of supply while simultaneously covering electricity and heat demand. Only in a later stage of the transformation process, it seems to be necessary to operate in a mainly demand-oriented mode. Besides the economic dimension, the political and scientific debate must take the various systemic and environmental impacts of bioenergy into account to maintain the ability of bioenergy to serve the energy system. The economic points of failure of the recent policy are being pointed out and it is shown that recent legislation is expected to lead to a decrease of the installed bioenergy power.