However, damages per kWh are lower. This is explained by the lower emission factors produced by both the technology and the fuel mix chosen. In spite of the very high sulphur content of the lignites used, the participation of biomass reduces significantly the damages caused by SO 2 emissions. The CO 2 -neutral character of biomass also contributes to lower net CO 2 emissions. Both reductions produced damages which are lower than, for example, those of the coal fuel cycle assessed previously, which used good-quality coal, and modern technologies.
Results show, then, the advantages of co-firing biomass with lignites.
It seems then that biomass could have a significant role in energy generation if electricity generation from lignites, and at the same time, pollution reduction is attempted. This would only be true, however, if biomass fuels are exploited on a sustainable way, and if they are transported from short distances, so that the biomass fuel cycle would retain its carbon-neutral character, and pollutant emissions of the fuel cycle are kept small. ExternE National Implementation.