Different potentials can be distinguished, as defined below: - Biomass Theoretical potential: The maximum over time non-declining amount of biomass which can be theoretically extracted on a long term basis within fundamental bio-physical limits. - Biomass Technical potential: Biomass potential which is available under the current infrastructure conditions and with the current technological possibilities. It can be in the short term temporarily higher than the theoretical potential, it must however respect its constraints. - Biomass Economic potential: Fraction of technical potential which meets the criteria of economic profitability within the given framework conditions using existing infrastructure and technology available in that location. - Biomass Implementation potential: The potential that can be implemented within a certain time frame and under concrete socio-political framework conditions, including economic, institutional and social constraints and policy incentives. It can be higher than the economic potential; it must respect the constraints of the theoretical potential.

European Commission, JRC, Biomass production, supply, uses and flows in the European Union. 2018

Source category: Biomass Study JRC own Definition