Potential sources of biomass and possibilities of their utilization for energy in Slovakia

Approximately 1 % of the total consumption of fuels and energy in Slovakia is covered by energy from biomass. The potential of domestic sources of biomass enables to increase share of biomass on the total consumption of energy by 6.7%. Approximately 350,000 m(3) of fuelwood have been used fur energy annually. Energetic value of that amount is 3,320TJ. Additionally to that amount there is a potential about 600,000 t of forest biomass in form of post-harvesting residues, small wood from thinnings, residues from small sawmills, etc. The energetic equivalent of that amount is about 4,950 TJ annually. Future potential fuel source are energy plantations at non-forest land with harvesting period of 3-5 years. There is potential to establish 15.000-25,000 ha of energetic forests with annual production of dry biomass 12 t.ha(-1). Energetic equivalent of this production can be 5,100 TJ per year. There are important economical and ecological benefits from utilization of biomass for energy. It could replace more than 500,000 tons of blown coal yearly. By utilization of potential sources of biomass pollution could be reduced by 1.9 mil. t of CO2, 9,320 t of SO2, 2,250 t of NOx, 30,400 t of fly ash and 120,000 t of slag and ash.