Driving sustainable uptake: a systematic review of global literature on policies governing woody biomass for energy

Abstract

Woody biomass has gained increased attention as a source of renewable energy. However, its categorization as a sustainable source of energy remains controversial, as its carbon neutrality depends on its end use, moisture content, bulk density, and the distance between the source of biomass and its end use. Due to these mediating factors, policies largely shape its sustainability and ability to mitigate emissions. This paper organizes and evaluates the current state of research through a systematic review of global literature from 2011 to 2021 (n = 345) on the governance of the production, transportation, sale, and use of woody biomass for energy. Peer-reviewed literature emphasizes the role of woody biomass as a decentralized energy source for individual households and communities, focusing on its harvest, transport, and localized energy conversion. Policies primarily address land management and energy infrastructure rather than direct emissions reduction. Research gaps in policy within the Global South underscore the need to examine biomass regulation in regions with limited energy diversity. The key factors that drive the sustainable uptake of woody biomass include strict sustainability criteria, fiscal incentives, technological development, and wood utilization from across its value chain. Effective policy implementation increases rural employment, boosts rural economies, provides energy security to remote areas, improves overall environmental sustainability, reduces emissions, and improves land management practices. Our systematic review reveals that future research should focus on improving conversion efficiencies in small-scale systems, reducing emissions in the international trade of woody biomass, and using the wood value chain to increase the profitability of bioenergy products.

Assessing the Role of Carbon Taxes in Driving Low-Carbon Transformations: A Comparative Analysis of Implementation Policies

“…Several policies, including income tax cuts and credits for low-income households, could be used to alleviate concerns about the regressive nature of carbon taxes. To make incremental progress through recycling carbon tax revenues, make: 4,444 one-time transfers distributed among households in equal proportions (per capita) and one-time transfers Eligible for an amount determined on an equitable scale, Low Carbon subsidy/subsidy for low-income households, income earner, households and public transport use [46]. b.…”

“…If there is no uncertainty regarding the Social Cost of Carbon (SCC), setting an identical carbon tax rate for the SCC would be considered "efficient" from a global economic perspective. However, in reality, the economically efficient carbon tax rate is contingent on how policymakers utilize tax revenues, the extent of emissions leakage, and the additional benefits and costs stemming from taxation [46].…”