Assessing the potential of integrating cassava residues-based bioenergy into national energy mix using long-range Energy Alternatives Planning systems approach

Abstract The long-term greenhouse gas mitigation and economic impacts of integrating bioenergy from cassava residues into a national energy mix, based on South Africa, was assessed using Long-range Energy Alternatives Planning (LEAP) models for three integration schemes [(I) cassava stalks (CS) & bagasse (CB) for bioelectricity, (II) CS for bioelectricity & CB for bioethanol, and (III) CS & CB for bioethanol] and the current energy scheme over a 30-year period. There is potential bioethanol/gasoline blending of 2.97–9.69% (v/v) for transport fuel, and bioelectricity for meeting 32–58.5% agriculture power demand. Scheme (I) shows 6.2-folds emission savings over scheme (III). In addition, there are potential cost increments ranging from US$ 26.67 billion (I) to US$ 455.49 billion (III) based on the existing energy scheme. In scheme (I), the costs could be partially offset by avoided emissions costs ($18.9 billion). Hence, the bioenergy schemes (I) & (II) exemplify sustainable national bioenergy models for enhancing low-carbon economies.