DBFZ Biomass Atlas

A large number of spatially resolved datasets exist on the potential of specific biogenic resources in Germany. However, these are often only available in isolation and are collected by a wide range of actors, which means they differ in their methodology and frequently have varying spatial resolutions. The Resource Database of the German Biomass Research Centre (DBFZ) has quantified the potential levels of various biogenic residual and waste materials; however, these are not available in spatially resolved form. To represent the potential of biogenic resources at a spatial level, we are developing a website with an interactive web map (DBFZ Biomass Atlas), in which biomass potentials in Germany are displayed spatially at a resolution of 5 kilometres.

A comparable product is the Biomass Potential Dashboards, which present technical potentials for four biomass types (cereal straw, cattle slurry, biowaste, and garden and park waste) at a district (Landkreis) level. In the planned DBFZ Biomass Atlas, the number of biomass types and associated datasets will be significantly expanded, and the map application modernised and embedded in a dedicated website. In addition to the maps, background information on the individual residual and waste materials will be provided, including potential and current material uses as well as drivers for increases or decreases in recoverable quantities, drawing on past DBFZ projects. The data basis comprises both existing and new potential calculations, some conducted internally at DBFZ and some by other actors, aggregated at district level. The innovative aspect of the Biomass Atlas therefore lies not only in an update of the methodology and data used, but above all in the consolidation of dispersed results and information into a practical application that presents the potential of energetic biomass use to a broad audience. Target groups include investors, associations, and the interested public, who will be provided with information on the quantity, availability, and utilisation options of various biomass types. The targeted biomass potentials include, in addition to agricultural residues from various crops, cereal straw, cattle slurry, organic waste, sewage sludge, agriphotovoltaics, residual forest wood, slaughterhouse waste, and animal slurry. Relevant supplementary information on each biomass potential will also be displayed cartographically. Users will be able to select and view additional spatially resolved data in the form of topic-specific maps. Examples include the connection rate to the organic waste bin at district level for the biowaste potential, or forestry management intensity for the damaged timber potential. The Biomass Atlas is to be developed and published by DBFZ.

Partners are currently being sought for the updating and further development of the Atlas. In parallel, work is underway on monetisation options based on more precise spatial potential calculations for users. To this end, a feature is being developed to determine the technical biomass potential of selected residual and waste materials in a given region based on user-defined criteria such as location, catchment radius, and technology pathway.