Each installed megawatt of thermal biomass covers the heating and hot water needs of 150 homes

At a conference organized by the Union for Biomass within the framework of the Genera fair last June, COSE (Confederation of Forest Owners' Organizations of Spain) once again emphasized the added value that biomass energy provides.

During the meeting, several facts were presented demonstrating the enormous energy potential of biomass in our country. Spain's forest area covers 27,664,674 hectares, representing 57% of the country's territory. Spain ranks third in Eurin terms of forested area, behind only Sweden and Finland, with an annual growth rate of 2.19%, significantly higher than the Euraverage (0.51%). Undoubtedly, Spain is a forest country.

The annual yield potential (timber available for harvesting) is approximately 46 million cubic meters, while the actual harvest volume is 19 million cubic meters ^. The extraction rate is therefore 41%, compared to the eur of 69%. There is potential to increase production without exceeding the forest's carrying capacity.

A superb 100% renewable fuel,
forest biomass is a high-quality biofuel due to its high calorific value and purity. It contributes to the rural economy and the maintenance of forests by reducing their fuel load and thus decreasing the risk of fire. These are all advantages that must be considered when evaluating its value and opting for its consumption.

Each megawatt of electricity installed using biomass represents 11 direct and indirect jobs, 8,000 MWh of renewable energy (the electricity consumption of 2,500 homes) and the capture of 6,250 tons of CO2 per year.

For every megawatt of thermal energy installed, the heating and hot water needs of 150 homes can be met, with a similar number of jobs generated.

It is a local resource, strategic for the implementation of the bioeconomy and the circular economy, which will be the factors that drive demand in the future.

A suitable regulatory framework
According to COSE, “we need a suitable regulatory framework with dynamic measures such as a stimulus plan for the bioenergy sector where the government recovers its investment.”

The Spanish Confederation of Forest Owners' Organizations asserts that the use of biomass for electricity generation is completely blocked by various measures adopted by the government. Generating electricity from biomass has a positive impact on national finances, as demonstrated by studies conducted by the Union for Biomass and the experience of the most advanced Eurcountries

Thermal power generation is progressing slowly due to excessive project financing requirements and the prior implementation of fossil fuel-based generation systems.

“To give a definitive boost to the development of biomass, its consumption should be promoted by government bodies and taken seriously in energy policy, financing facilities should be provided for energy projects, tax incentives should be in place to attract investment in the bioenergy sector, and the grouping of forest producers/owners should be encouraged to organize a solid supply that generates stable demand,” says COSE.