Evaluation of technology, economics and emissions impacts of community-scale bioenergy systems for a forest-based community in Ontario

Biomass is often considered as an alternative to fossil heating fuels such as oil and propane but is rarely considered to displace lower cost natural gas. Using a case study approach, options for utilizing local forest biomass to reduce emissions related to natural gas heating are evaluated. The options considered include heat-only biomass boilers to fuel district heating networks, combined heat and power (CHP) connected to district networks and a microgrid or the provincial grid and production of renewable natural gas (RNG). The systems are evaluated in terms of technology readiness, break-even heat cost and GHG reduction potential. Other factors that could improve competitiveness, such as carbon pricing and low carbon fuel policies, are discussed. The systems that utilize a district heating network were found to be lower cost than RNG-producing systems, despite the need for significant infrastructure investment. While conversion of forest biomass to RNG results in a significantly higher heat cost than biomass district energy scenarios, these prices are competitive with other RNG technologies utilizing other feedstocks. The CO2 abatement cost for some DH and CHP scenarios was found to be lower than that of producing electricity using solar photovoltaic and wind power technologies in Ontario. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.