Production of biomass from short rotation coppice for energy use : comparision between Sweden and Spain

Abstract: Wood energy is the main source of energy for more than two billion people. Over 14 percent of the world’s total primary energy is supplied by biofuels, particularly fuelwood and charcoal according to FAO data.Nowadays, ambitious targets for the use of renewable energy have been set in the European Union and particularly the interest for biomass energy sources has increased. Social and economic scenarios show a constant growth in the demand for woodfuels and it is expected to continue for some decades (Sixto, 2007).To reach these goals, woody energy crops are necessary for assuring the sustainability of the rising biomass sector. In several countries, wood energy plantations are being considered to help in achieving greater energy independence. Wood energy crops are in the development stage in Spain, while in Sweden they already are operational.The goal of this project is to make a comparative study between Sweden and Spain, explaining the current status of the production of biomass for energy use in each country. I will focus on production of biomass from short rotation coppice (SRC).The purpose of this paper is to explain the differences in production of biomass for bioenergy purpose between both countries, analyzing how these have developed, the current situation and the possible future.