Objective The aim is to study the feasibility of local biomass-electric systems in Europe. Calculation models are developed for design and simulation of biomass gasification in combination with advanced conversion technologies such as combustion engines, gas and steam turbines for combined heat and power generation. A technical, economic and environmental evaluation is performed for alternative concepts for small (0.5- 5MW) and medium (20-30 MW) size units. The potential of various types of biomass in different regions: southern Europe (Greece and Portugal), northern Europe (Denmark and Germany) and eastern Europe (Belorus) is delineated and representative case Studies identified. The simulation model consists of modules for the gasification process and the various components. The energy conversion machines and components can be configurated to suit different utilization purposes. The model is verified against experimental results. Alternative bio-electric systems suitable for different locations and energy demand characteristics are developed. The technical evaluation yields conversion efficiencies as well as energy and mass flows, esp. potential hazardous trace elements. In the environmental evaluation the emissions from bio-electricity production is compared with conventional alternatives. For selected sites the impact on local and regional ambient pollution is calculated with an atmospheric transport model. The economic viability of bio-electricity is calculated based on local conditions in the participating countries. The costs of biomass and plant installations are investigated and important economic and operational parameters studied in a sensitivity analysis. The economic evaluation is augmented by selected case studies, e.g. CHP in wood processing industry, rural community electrification based on agricultural waste or fast-rotation crops. Technology implementation and the impact of European, national and local policy as well as the role of the electricity industry are studied. The implementation opportunities and problems are identified and recommendations for development formulated. Fields of science natural sciencesearth and related environmental sciencesenvironmental sciencespollutionengineering and technologymaterials engineeringwoodworkingagricultural sciencesagricultural biotechnologybiomassagricultural sciencesagriculture, forestry, and fisheriesforestryengineering and technologyenvironmental engineeringenergy and fuelsenergy conversion Programme(s) FP3-RENA - EU Preparatory action on renewable energies, 1994 Topic(s) Data not available Call for proposal Data not available Funding Scheme CSC - Cost-sharing contracts Coordinator Universität Rostock EU contribution No data Address Albert Einstein Straße 20 18051 Rostock Germany See on map Total cost No data Participants (4) Sort alphabetically Sort by EU Contribution Expand all Collapse all ARISTOTLE UNIVERSITY OF THESSALONIKI Greece EU contribution No data Address University Campus, Egnatia Str. 54006 THESSALONKI See on map Total cost No data Centro da Biomassa para a Energia Portugal EU contribution No data Address 3220 Miranda do Corvo See on map Total cost No data ELSAMPROJEKT A/S Denmark EU contribution No data Address 53,Kraftvaerksvej 53 7000 FREDERICIA See on map Total cost No data SK Power Company Denmark EU contribution No data Address 5,Lautrupøjn 2750 Ballerup See on map Total cost No data