A new publication, by wholeSEM's University of Cambridge team considers the challenges of increased use of bioenergy for future energy system pathways. The study, published in Elsevier's 'Energy Policy' (volume 86) uses a top-down analysis of the interconnections between the land and energy systems, followed by the estimation of the area of land required to deliver the bioenergy component the Carbon Budget - the legally binding target for reducing territorial greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050, relative to 1990 levels. The results of this study show that the land requirements to meet bioenergy demand under the Carbon Plan pathways could lead to significant land use change impacts, and could result in increased competition for suitable agricultural land in the UK.

As part of the wholeSEM project, our Cambridge team will use the ForeseerTM Tool to predict the major physical and economic interactions between the UK energy system and the environment over the next 40 years.

Further Information:

• Land use implications of future energy system trajectories—The case of the UK 2050 Carbon Plan
• Dr Dennis Konadu (Corresponding author)
• Energy @ Cambridge
• wholeSEM Work Package 5 - Environmental and Economic Impacts