Global Utilization of Forest Biomass
On a global level, the forest biomass resource potentially available for bioenergy and bio-based product production is vast. Forestlands cover approximately 30 percent of the Earths surface or 9.6 billion acres (FAO 2001). These forests serve a variety of purposes including environmental protection and sustainability, timber production, wildlife habitat, and recreation areas. Globally, forests also serve as energy sources. According to the Food and Agricultural Organizations (FAO) State of the Worlds Forests report (2005), a majority of the total energy supply of many developing countries comes from fuelwood. Yet, black liquor, the lignin-rich residue generated during the papermaking process - used by the industry for process heat, steam, and electric power generation - is an important source of energy in some developed countries. Many European regions, especially Scandanavia, produce a significant percentage of their heat and electric power requirement from forest biomass. Approximately 25% of Swedens energy comes from forest biomass mainly in the form of heat. This biomass comes from a variety of sources including the forest sector, wood chips, black liquor, and recycled wood (above).
The potential for wood-based energy is not fully utilized in any industrialized country. But, signs of improvement are encouraging. In 1990, approximately 46% of harvested timber was used for fuelwood in the European Union (table below). Industrial residues accounted for approximately 50% of the biomass used, while conventional firewood comprised 44% (Hakkila and Parikka 2002). With increased research, education, and technological developments, the consumption of wood-based energy is predicted to increase globally.
(Table:Use of Wood-Based Energy in the 15 Countries of the European Union in 1990)
There is a convergence of factors favoring bioenergy use at a global level today. These factors include global climate change, the rising price and scarce supply of fossil fuels, and the economic, social, and environmental benefits related to bioenergy development (Silveira 2005).
This section provides more information related to the global utilization of biomass for bioenergy including:
- Availability of Biomass Across the Globe
- Utilization of Forest Biomass
- Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Countries
- European Union
- Future Scenarios
Encyclopedia ID: p1141
