EVALUATION OF THE SUSTAINABILITY IMPLICATIONS OF BIOENERGY ALTERNATIVES FOR CANADA 

University of Toronto

To build a sustainable energy future, it's important to rely less on fossil fuels and more on renewable energy sources. Biomass — which includes plant residues left over from farming or forest operations as well as crops grown for energy — is the only renewable source of carbon.

With the support of an Early Researcher Award, Dr. Heather MacLean at the University of Toronto is examining the role that biomass could play in meeting Canada's energy needs over the next two decades. Her focus is on the use of biomass to produce transportation fuels and generate electricity. Her team will employ a life cycle assessment approach to compare bioenergy and conventional energy options. Researchers will estimate the economic, environmental and social costs and benefits of each alternative from resource recovery through fuel production, shipping and use. Issues to be considered in this interdisciplinary project range from the amount of bioenergy that could potentially be produced to the land use implications of growing crops for energy.

"We expect the results of this research to support more informed decisions by vehicle manufacturers, the energy industry and government," says Dr. MacLean. "I'm confident our findings will lead to net benefits for both the environment and the economy — including reduced greenhouse gas emissions and more affordable energy supplies. We're developing paths to a more sustainable future and helping Ontario become a leader in sustainable energy systems."

Researcher: Dr. Heather MacLean