TY - JOUR AU - Clarke, Donna AU - Jablonski, Sophie AU - Moran, Brighid AU - Anandarajah, Gabrial AU - Taylor, Gail PY - 2009 DA - 2009/07/03 TI - How can accelerated development of bioenergy contribute to the future UK energy mix? Insights from a MARKAL modelling exercise JO - Biotechnology for Biofuels SP - 13 VL - 2 IS - 1 AB - This work explores the potential contribution of bioenergy technologies to 60% and 80% carbon reductions in the UK energy system by 2050, by outlining the potential for accelerated technological development of bioenergy chains. The investigation was based on insights from MARKAL modelling, detailed literature reviews and expert consultations. Due to the number and complexity of bioenergy pathways and technologies in the model, three chains and two underpinning technologies were selected for detailed investigation: (1) lignocellulosic hydrolysis for the production of bioethanol, (2) gasification technologies for heat and power, (3) fast pyrolysis of biomass for bio-oil production, (4) biotechnological advances for second generation bioenergy crops, and (5) the development of agro-machinery for growing and harvesting bioenergy crops. Detailed literature searches and expert consultations (looking inter alia at research and development needs and economic projections) led to the development of an 'accelerated' dataset of modelling parameters for each of the selected bioenergy pathways, which were included in five different scenario runs with UK-MARKAL (MED). The results of the 'accelerated runs' were compared with a low-carbon (LC-Core) scenario, which assesses the cheapest way to decarbonise the energy sector. SN - 1754-6834 UR - https://doi.org/10.1186/1754-6834-2-13 DO - 10.1186/1754-6834-2-13 ID - Clarke2009 ER -