Figure 4: Biomass Power Technical Potential from California Resources
Installed Biomass Capacity (MW)
8,000 7,000 6,000 5,000
Waste Water Treatment Biogas Landfill Gas Energy Crops Municipal Solid Wastes Agricultural Residues Forestry Residues
4,000 3,000 2,000 1,000 0 Estimated Biomass Capacity in 2005
2005
2010
2017
2020
Available Technical Potential
Sources: California Energy Commission, November 2005, Draft Report An Assessment of Biomass Resources in California, 2005, California Energy Commission, Sacramento, CA., Contract number 500-01-016. (Table 4.1) California Energy Commission, April 2005, Biomass in California, Challenges, Opportunities and Potential for Sustainable Management and Development, California Energy Commission, Sacramento, CA., Contract number 500-01-016. Note: Agricultural Residues includes biogas from anaerobic digestion.
If in the future biomass were to maintain its 20 percent share of total renewable electricity in California, under the accelerated RPS of 33 percent by 2020, annual additions would need to increase approximately 70-95 MW per year, and net cumulative additions through 2020 would be approximately 1,450 MW for a total of approximately 2,400 MW installed, which is well within the technical potential (see Figure 5)
15