Limitations to carbon neutrality of biomass fuels

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1478/AAPP.103S1A2

Keywords:

global carbon cycle, global model, biomass fuels, carbon neutrality, energy strategies

Abstract

For biomass fuels, carbon neutrality has long been assumed, and therefore biomass fuels of various origin play an important role in climate protection strategies. However, a closer look to the involved pools and fluxes of carbon (C) may show a more differentiated picture.  For this target, the “Combined Energy and Biosphere Model” CEBM, with 2433 grid elements across the continents, was developed to analyse the net effect of worldwide and extensive usage of biomass as a fuel, replacing fossil fuels. Results suggest that over decades, the C pools of litter and especially soil organic carbon (SOC, i.e., humus layer) decompose considerably as a result of the interrupted natural carbon cycle, when extracting huge amounts of biomass from the natural cycle.

Author Biography

  • Gilbert Ahamer, Graz University
    Global Studies, Macherstrasse 15 8047 Graz

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Published

2025-10-01

Issue

Vol 103, SUPPL NO 1 (2025): Atmospheric Monitoring, Modeling and Simulation

Section

Atmospheric Monitoring, Modeling and Simulation (Conference Proceedings)

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