Harry, glad to see that you are still stirring the
hornet's nest for bioenergy discussions. I remember your knack for generating
stimulating debate.
However, I am surprised at your statement regarding
the inherent cost of biomass versus fossil fuels. I'm even more surprised that
other people are agreeing with you! There is no inherent cost for
either; they are natural resources. Now lets ask what the price is to
produce 1 GJ of oil versus 1 GJ of biomass. I presume the cost would have to be
in terms of the amount of time it takes to form in its natural environment. Even
if you take the most ideal conditions for formation biomass is produced in a
very short period of time when compared with hydrocarbons.
The market for oil as everyone is aware, does
not include the social or environmental costs associated with production.
For example, the fossil fuel industry is not in the business of 'growing'
hydrocarbons although I'm sure this isn't for lack of trying!! However, I think
we'd find a very different value for oil, gas and coal if exploitation required
continuous replacement. It is not the same thing to say that an oil company is
doing it's bit by 'discovering' a barrel of oil for every barrel it
extracts.
Anouk
