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The report presents facts, findings and models regarding biofuels in a broad context. It points out the associated uncertainties.

The document identifies scenarios which may evolve in either a predictable or non predictable way in the future but which in turn may considerably influence the debate.

Finally, this study has identified open issues which should be addressed in priority.

CNEN – Comissão Nacional de Energia Nuclear

2008 – Boletim de Energia – Acesso Livre

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Dwindling Supply of Non-Renewable Energy Resources Supplying adequate clean energy to a rapidly industrializing world is one of the 21st century’s greatest challenges. Worldwide energy consumption is expected to increase 54% from 2001 to 2025.5 The challenge of providing energy is compounded by concurrent efforts to reduce energy-related pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Between 2003 and 2025, the United States’ population will grow by 58 million people,6 subsequently causing an increase in new building construction. With this growth comes the inevitable growth in consumption of energy, water, food and other non-renewable supplies—unless we change the way we design new communities. The Renewable Energy Community concept is about advocating innovation—looking at a way to reinvent communities to meet untapped customer needs for shelter and transportation with minimal environmental impacts, stable energy costs, and a sense of belonging.

CNEN – Comissão Nacional de Energia Nuclear

2008 – Boletim de Energia – Acesso livre

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An interdisciplinary MIT faculty group examined the role of coal in a world where constraints on carbon dioxide emissions are adopted to mitigate global climate change. This follows “The Future of Nuclear Power” which focused on carbon dioxide emissions-free electricity generation from nuclear energy and was published in 2003. This report, the future of coal in a carbon-constrained world, evaluates the technologies and costs associated with the generation of electricity from coal along with those associated with the capture and sequestration of the carbon dioxide produced coal-based power generation. Growing electricity demand in the U.S. and in the world will require increases in all generation options (renewables, coal, and nuclear) in addition to increased efficiency and conservation in its use. Coal will continue to play a significant role in power generation and as such carbon dioxide management from it will become increasingly important. This study, addressed to government, industry and academic leaders, discusses the interrelated technical, economic, environmental and political challenges facing increased coal-based power generation while managing carbon dioxide emissions from this sector.
Generous financial support from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the Pew Charitable Trusts, the Energy Foundation, the Better World Fund, the Norwegian Research Council, and the MIT Office of the Provost is gratefully acknowledged.

CNEN – Comissão Nacioanl de Energia Nuclear

2007 – Boletim de Energia – Acesso livre

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Energy policy is facing major challenges. Industrial countries are increasingly dependent on imports of oil and gas, and global warming is becoming more of a reality. In order to address these challenges, a sustainable energy system must be developed. This document presents an outline of a sustainable energy situation for Europe in the year 2050. The research institutes ECN and NRG hope that this vision will guide energy research and inspire both businesses and governments. The authors describe a consistent development path that leads to a reduction in CO₂ emissions in Europe to 60% below 1990 levels, and to a signifi cantly reduced level of oil and gas imports. However, in 2050 the energy system will not be completely sustainable. The authors have formulated additional sustainability conditions for the reliable use of nuclear energy, biomass, and CO₂ capture & storage in a sustainable energy system. If these conditions are complied with, the overall picture will meet realistic criteria of sustainability. Despite this, continued energy conservation and further development of renewables should be pursued after 2050. In the vision for 2050 presented here, much weight is given to new technologies, new resources and new energy infrastructure. In addition to such innovation, new ways of decision-making and new patterns of behaviour are essential. With respect to technological developments that result in, for instance, affordable solar cells, the deployment of second-generation biofuels and reliable CO₂ capture & storage, realistic judgements have been made as to the timing of their commercialisation. The technology policy required to bring about such technological developments is briefly outlined.

CNEN – Comissão Nacional de Energia Nuclear

2007 – Boletim de Energia – Acesso livre

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The environmental benefits of renewable energy are well known.

But the contribution that  they can make to energy security is less widely recognised.

This report aims to redress the  balance, showing how in electricity generation, heat supply, and transport, renewables can enhance energy security and suggesting policies that can optimise this contribution.

CNEN – Comissão Nacional de Energia Nuclear

2007 – Boletim de Energia - Acesso livre

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This publication highlights the potential contribution of bioenergy to world energy demand.

It summarises the wide range of biomass resources available and potentially available, the conversion options, and end-use applications.

Associated issues of market development, international bioenergy trade, and competition for biomass are also presented.

Finally, the potential of bioenergy is compared with other energy supply options.

CNEN – Comissão Nacional de Energia Nuclear

2007 – Boletim de Energia – Acesso livre