GIS for the determination of bioenergy potential in the centre region of Portugal

Abstract

Every activity performed by mankind is directly or indirectly dependant on the use of energy. Fossil fuels are the main source used nowadays, a presumably limited energy source that may end in the near future (Boyle, 2004). World total annual consumption of all forms of primary energy increased drastically, and in the year 2006 it reached an estimated 10,800 Mtoe (million tons of oil equivalent) (U.S. Energy Information Administration [USEIA], 2009). The annual average energy consumption per person of the world population in 2006 was about 1.65 toe (ton of oil equivalent) (Population Reference Bureau, 2010). In 2010, the consumption of this energy may reach 12,800 Mtoe (USEIA, 2009) and in 2050 it is expected to achieve a range of 14,300 Mtoe to 23,900 Mtoe (International Energy Agency for Bioenergy [IEAB], 2009). We can also assume that it might possibly never end. The current energy crisis is affecting great part of the world population (U.S. Department of Energy, 2009).