The objective of this paper is to estimate the global woody
biomass energy potential in 2050 using the Global Biosphere
Management Model (GLOBIOM) (Havlík et al., 2011; Schneider
4
According to energy sector assessments, world primary energy consumption
is expected to increase to about 1000 EJ/year in 2050 (GEA, 2012).
et al., 2011). Our analysis differs from previous studies in four ways.
First, it explicitly models the competition between alternative uses
and sources of woody biomass through the market mechanism.
Second, it includes a detailed spatially explicit description of woody
biomass supply from forest and plantations. Third, it separates
energy wood supply and demand from each other. Fourth, the
land-use competition between food, wood and energy production is
modeled explicitly. The focus of the paper is on global level results.
However, some regional level implications will also be highlighted.