Forest Biomass : From Trees to Energy

Abstract

Forests are responsible for the largest net biomass carbon production. They store the most standing biomass and carbon and thus they are an important source of bioenergy. Their importance is linked to their relative abundance and uniformity worldwide and the neutrality of CO2 emissions from biomass conversion to energy. Yet, the use of biomass for energy presents risks related to forest system sustainability and demands for new environmentally sustainable strategies for its use. This book provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of the art in a multitude of subjects related to forest bioenergy, ranging from trees, forest stand management, and biomass assessment to waste management, conversion technologies, and routes and energy applications.