Forest Bioenergy: From Wood Production to Energy Use

Abstract

This book provides a comprehensive analysis of forest biomass, from feedstock production to its transformation into energy and its diverse applications. It intends to present the state of the art of forest biomass production, assessment, characterisation and conversion into heat and power. After establishing the current context and status of forest bioenergy, the book presents the various sources and worldwide distribution of forest biomass for energy. Subsequently, it explores the characterisation of the forest stands and the availability of biomass for energy per stand structure, including stands managed for timber, non-wood products and energy plantations. Then, it addresses the biomass evaluation and monitoring by considering data sources, modelling methods and existing models. Following the topics centred on forest biomass production and estimation, the book provides a comprehensive overview of established and emerging conversion technologies for the production of bioheat, biopower and fuels. It then covers the essential properties of forest biomass that play a relevant role in its transformation into energy and fuels. The subsequent three chapters cover the most common applications of forest biomass for energy and the associated technologies. These chapters specifically focus on the use of biomass for residential heat, industrial heat, district heat, power generation and combined heat and power. This book is intended for a broad audience, from undergraduate and graduate students to academics, researchers and practitioners who aim to deepen their knowledge on the topic of forest bioenergy. It presents a multidisciplinary approach to the topic, and integrates a broad range of topics in a single book, covering many important aspects of forest biomass energy.