Theoretical Approach of A Possible Value-Added Chain in the Biomass Industry in Rural Areas Giving the Example of A Hungarian Microregion

Abstract

The future of biomass energy in the global energy system depends on many major factors, among others on the attitude of society in rural areas to the biomass energy and the renewable energy resources. Biomass energy plays increasing role in rural areas with its contribution to the self sufficiency of people in the countryside. The paper deals with the analysis the opportunities of utilization of biomass energy sources giving example of a Hungarian study area and to study the possibilities of the cooperation and management regarding biomass industry in a certain rural region. Furthermore, the aims of this analysis are on the one hand to predict the potential renewable energy of the Eger Micro-region and on the other hand to research the theoretical possibilities of a value added chain in biomass industry. The main conclusion of the paper is that economic benefits can be locally embedded through local distribution of profit generated by sales of energy or financial benefits from energy saved by efficiency activities local training and employment opportunities and local shareholding. Furthermore shareholding can also involve individuals resident outside of the local community, forming part of a more spatially dispersed ‘community of interest' involved in, and supportive of, the development.