THE ROLE OF WOOD BIOMASS IN SLOVENIA'S ENERGY SECTOR

Mankind has been using wood for energy purposes since ancient times. Slovenia is a very forested country. The energy use of wood, 544.4 ktoe, represents almost 10% of the country's energy supply, despite the fact that the annual felling is only 50% of the annual growth. The simplest energy use of wood by combustion can also have negative impacts by polluting the surrounding air. In a poorly managed combustion process, at too low temperatures and insufficient combustion air, harmful emissions of particles and toxic organic polycyclic compounds are produced. This kind of inadequate combustion of wood fuels in households is the main source of particles PM10, PM2.5 and organic compounds in Slovenia. The largest share of energy use of wood fuels are represented by households with 57%, processing industry 26%, district heating 9% and electricity production 8%.