TRADE-OFF BETWEEN CARBON STORAGE AND BIOMASS-BASED ENERGY SOURCES ECOSYSTEM SERVICES, THE CASE STUDY FROM THE PROVINCE OF ROVIGO (ITALY)

Abstract

Biomass Based Energy Sources (BBES) are an Ecosystem Service (ES) which can contribute to achieve EU 2020 targets and to ensure energy security. Their effects on other ESs can be different according to biomass typologies, as energy crops and residuals. In order to plan a Greenhouse Gasses (GHGs) efficient supply chain and to maintain ES of carbon storage, as well as other related ESs, effect of feedstock chain on Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) should be considered. An ESs approach, based on the cascade model, takes into consideration biological interdependencies and management options to assess trade-offs. This study aims to describe and map trade-off between BBES and carbon storage services in Province of Rovigo (Veneto Region, Italy), a mainly intensive cultivated area. Results show that the trade-offs  between the two ESs is potentially high in large part of the territory (75%), while just 25% expresses low possibility of conflict. Possible management options are discussed in order to minimize trade-off between energy provision and climate change mitigation. This study highlights that ESs approach can provide a suitable tool for decision makers, with respect to biomass feedstock chain, whose effects on ecosystems are often underestimated.