Energy potential of residual biomass of Eucalyptus globulus coppices in Portugal

Abstract

The possibility of sustainably exploiting forest biomass resources depends on their local potential. Therefore, it is essential to correctly predict their potential and to manage existing forests in an efficient way. This study analyses the potential of obtaining biomass residues in Portugal through the management of existing Eucalyptus globulus forests with the aim of better using the residues of the forest practices. A model of silviculture was used to estimate the amount of forest residues for different stand site indices and different biomass removal rates. The results were then used to calculate the area needed to supply an existing 9 MWe biomass-fired power station in central Portugal under the different scenarios considered. The scenarios where the removal of both above- and below-ground biomass was considered generate substantially more residues than the ones where no stumps and roots are removed. In the former cases, most residual biomass is generated in the last cut, while in the latter in the second cut. There is a large impact of the strategies considered for residue removals on the biomass availability for energy and, therefore, on the determination of the viability of new bioenergy projects.