International Bioenergy Trade - an Assessment of the Prospects for Large Scale Biofuel Import to Sweden

Other conference contribution, 2004

Despite Sweden’s large biomass resources and well-established industry using the resource, Sweden today imports biofuels to meet the demand for biomass energy. There are several incentives stimulating a continued Swedish bioenergy expansion. The purpose of this study is to examine the prospects for large-scale import of biomass and biofuels to Sweden, for the supply of alternative transportation fuels. The aim is to illuminate relevant aspects to consider. Based on a literature review and own investigations, we conclude that transportation energy requirements and environmental aspects seem not to present any obstacles to large-scale import of biomass from far away regions. Cost aspects seem more uncertain, and depend on several factors, such as biomass type transported, handling costs and competition for available freight and port capacity. Liquid biofuels fit well within present liquid fuel transportation infrastructure. On the other hand, a strategy involving large scale import of biomass as feedstock for domestic biofuel production may have to handle bottlenecks linked to specialization of ports in certain trade flows and the infrastructure linked to the ports. However, a closer examination of relevant aspects is required before any firm conclusion regarding the prospects for large scale biomass and biofuels import to Sweden can be made.