Potential of biomass residues for energy production and utilization in a region of Portugal

This article concentrates on the evaluation of the potential of biomass residues, both forest and agricultural residues, for energy production and utilization in a region of Portugal (Marvao). Marvao has been identified as an excellent region for the installation of small-scale biomass plants for heating purposes given the relatively high potential of biomass residues that it presents. The assessment of the potential of the biomass residues was carried out using Geographical Information Systems (GIS) database and statistical analysis. It was concluded that the annual biomass residues potential for Marvao is about 10,600 tonnes, which corresponds to an energy production potential of about 106,000 GJ per annum. In addition, to illustrate the potential of biomass residues for energy utilization in the region of Marvao, the heating system of a hotel located in Marvao village has been analyzed as a case study. It was concluded that the conversion of the existing fossil fuel-based heating system to a biomass-based system would have economical and environmental advantages for local investors. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.