In developing a stronger focus on agricultural biomass crops, governments will have to design support policies so as to avoid compromising the ability of the agricultural sector to provide food and feed in a sustainable manner, this study finds.
This report complements earlier OECD work on liquid biofuels and provides information on biomass based heat and power, as well as on biogas. It discusses the heterogeneous portfolio of different biomass feedstocks, conversion technologies, and pathways of utilisation. It also shows that governments in many countries provide substantial support to the production and use of renewable energy in general, and bioenergy in particular; these support measures are highly diverse and are given at national and various sub-national levels.
The results of a large number of life-cycle analyses of various bioheat and biopower chains reviewed in this study indicate that the objective to reduce GHG emissions and fossil energy use is met; indeed the savings estimated for most chains are substantial when compared to fossil alternatives. At present, most of the chains examined do not compete with food and feed production, and thus the implications for agricultural markets are small. It is clear, however, that if a stronger focus on agricultural biomass crops is to be developed, this will require careful design of support policies so as to avoid compromising the ability of the agricultural sector to provide food and feed in a sustainable manner.
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Document d'information de l'OCDE, gratuit à télécharger, sur le soutien à l'agriculture
Metals and minerals such as copper, titanium and rare earths are used to produce high-tech and energy-efficient goods such as hybrid vehicles, computers and aircraft. This paper looks at the impacts of export restrictions often put on these raw materials.
Country case studies of China, Japan, Netherlands, South Africa and the United States in measures that may hamper trade in steel scrap, recovered paper and plastic scrap, and if and how they could be removed without compromising environmental protection.
Ce rapport offre des informations sur les tendances récentes et des perspectives sur l'utilisation des ressources et des recommandations concrètes sur ce que les pays devraient faire et sur les raisons pour lesquelles ils devraient le faire.
Trade in steel scrap, recovered paper and plastic scrap is well developed and plays an important role in fostering environmentally sound recycling of these materials. This report assesses options for promoting trade and recycling of these non-hazardous materials.
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A study of water pricing in Turkey, a background report to the book Sustainable Management of Water Resources in Agriculture (OECD, 2010).
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A study of water (irrigation) pricing in Australia, a background report to the book Sustainable Management of Water Resources in Agriculture (OECD, 2010).
In his opening remarks for the book launch for the Horizontal Water Programme, Mr. Gurría underlined that good water management is important for a stronger, cleaner and fairer economy.