How could companies and authorities improve their risk communication regarding Biomass usage as an energy source in Finland?

Abstract

Biomass as an energy source has relatively long history in Finland but still experiences growth as an industry. Biomass-based energy is prioritized by the government in the form of legislation that favors biomass or disfavors fossil alternatives it competes with, but the overall knowledge of the technology and the risks related to it are not completely clear among professionals and lay people alike.

In this study the aim was to chart the current knowledge of lay people and professionals to establish and examine the gaps and overlaps in the knowledge of the risks and benefits and overall awareness related to these technologies. This was achieved by interviewing professionals in the field of biomass and lay people with varying levels of knowledge about biomass and the risks and benefits it poses.

After reviewing these findings from the study, they were reflected in relation to the relevant academic literature regarding risk communication, risk science, risk governance, risk-benefit and risk-risk tradeoffs.

In the end of the study there are conclusions and suggestions that companies and decision-makers can research further and use in their own risk communication and governance processes in the future.

Keywords: Risk communication, Risk Governance, Biomass, Bioenergy