Preliminary results of estimation of forest biomass for energy potentials in final felling using a system analysis model
2012
Lazdins, A., Latvian State Forest Research Inst. Silava, Salaspils (Latvia) | Lazdina, D., Latvian State Forest Research Inst. Silava, Salaspils (Latvia) | Klavs, G., Institute of Physical Energetics, Riga (Latvia)
Forests in Latvia have the highest potential to increase sustainable deliveries of biomass to secure implementation of the National and the Community targets in reduction of the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and increase of the share of renewables in the energy sector. According to the study, the final felling is the most significant source of forest biomass for energy in Latvia being able to provide additionally about 8.6 mill. MWh of primary energy annually (excluding the firewood assortment and potential production losses) without increase of the harvesting rate. The scope of the study is to adapt results of the productivity studies and harvesting cost calculation models to the biomass production system analysis and to estimate resources of the biomass in the final felling on the base of the current harvesting rate and production costs. Harvesting slash (tops and branches) and stumps are considered in the study, taking into account the impact of technical (losses) and site specific limitations of the biomass production. Additionally, machinery and labour necessary for the full scale production as well as the GHG emissions from additional fuel consumption and amounts and characteristics of wood ash to be managed after the full scale implementation were evaluated. The study demonstrates that the technological potential of biomass for energy in final felling, keeping the harvesting rate at the level of 10 mill. m**3 annually, is 2.1 mill. tons, including firewood. The full scale production would require about 1.3 mill. of working hours, at least 400 units of different machinery and more than 1000 of qualified operators. The prime cost of production at full load of the machinery and the full scale production would be about LVL 45 mill.; however, this figure is higher now due to growth of fuel cost. The additional emissions would be equal to about 36 thousand tons of carbon.
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