Economics of Bioresources : Concepts, Tools, Experiences

This fundamental book provides a cross-sectoral, multi-disciplinary view on the biobased economy. It explains opportunities for the value-adding production and use of bioresources, while also discussing the main drivers and obstacles involved. The book is divided into three major parts, the first of which introduces readers to the basics of bioresource economics and engineering. In terms of economics, it discusses decision-making from the policy, producer, investor, and citizen perspectives; in terms of engineering, it addresses key technologies and the processing of bioresources, as well as the development of biorefineries for high-value products on large and small scales. In turn, the book’s second part presents cases focused on different types of energy use, and written by practitioners. The cases illustrate the businesses and technologies involved, as well as the roles of citizens, social organisations and policies. The book’s third and last part highlights opportunities in sustainable agriculture, valuable industrial products and innovative services, while also outlining key conditions for success. Written by a team of scholars and practitioners from various engineering, natural-science and social-science disciplines, the book is primarily intended for undergraduate and graduate students, and for practitioners in business and policy who wish to explore the sustainable production and use of bioresources. All theoretical issues are explained with the aid of real-world examples, making the content highly accessible. Front Matter ....Pages i-xi Introduction (Yoram Krozer, Michael Narodoslawsky)....Pages 1-6 Front Matter ....Pages 7-7 Economic Systems (Yoram Krozer)....Pages 9-29 Decision Making (Yoram Krozer)....Pages 31-58 Business in Bioresources (Yoram Krozer)....Pages 59-75 Bioresources and Technologies (Michael Narodoslawsky)....Pages 77-100 Bioresources for Distributed Energy Systems (Michael Narodoslawsky)....Pages 101-112 Front Matter ....Pages 113-113 Biofuels from Willows (Sandor Bartha)....Pages 115-124 District Heating in Villages (Sebestyén Tihamer)....Pages 125-134 Renewable-Based Gas Systems in Austria (Karin Fazeni-Fraisl, Johannes Lindorfer, Robert Tichler)....Pages 135-149 Manure Treatment for Biofuel (Willem van Laarhoven)....Pages 151-167 Front Matter ....Pages 169-169 Innovating for Sustainable Agriculture (Willem van Laarhoven)....Pages 171-182 Potential Applications of Lignin (Marlene Kienberger)....Pages 183-193 Bioresources for Cultural Services (Yoram Krozer, Maia Lordkipanidze)....Pages 195-205 Conclusions (Yoram Krozer, Michael Narodoslawsky)....Pages 207-210