Agricultural and Forestry Mechanization

Wood biomass for energy production, used by 50% of the world's population, represents an important alternative to other non-renewable energy sources even in industrialized countries. The correctly planned management of wood biomass production could make it a valid alternative energy solution to traditional fossil fuels, since it is a local and widely available resource, it has an almost carbon neutral production balance and its exploitation could trigger processes of environmental and social improvement. However, efficient energy transformation that is environmentally and economically sustainable requires the realization of optimized chains in which each phase is rationally planned. This study was carried out using multicriteria analysis methodology in order to assess the suitability of using this renewable source of energy, taking into account the energy, emissions and economic factors as well as the technologies used. The study took into account the costs of cultivation, harvesting, transportation and transformation of the biomass obtained from short to medium rotation coppice, as well as from salvaged biomass chains. The methodology was applied referring to Italy, making the relevant adjustments. © Springer-Verlag London Limited 2011.