BIOMASFOR: A HOLISTIC MODEL FOR THE QUANTIFICATION OF SUSTAINABLE FOREST BIOMASS FOR ENERGY PRODUCTION

This work presents an open-source spatial analysis model (Biomasfor) that can quantify the availability of forest wood-energy biomass in the light of ecological and economic sustainability. Several multifunctionality parameters were evaluated to highlight the potential impact of biomass extraction on different forest functions. The multistep approach used and the model’s internal structure permit the use of the model with highly differentiated input datasets. The introduction of biomass demand evaluation allows the quantification of the wood-energy supply/demand. The analysis is focused on the province of Trento (northeastern Italian Alps). The results are based on a scenario evaluation characterised by several degrees of biomass extrac tion and by a sensitivity analysis of biomass price, as well as on a typology of mechanisation. The model outputs define a re- duction in biomass availability with the introduction of technical, economic and multifunctionality parameters. Considerations of territorial characteristics outline the importance of woodchip production as a means of avoiding carbon dioxide emissions and achieving low-impact reductions of the risk of fires. The model appears to be an effective tool in bioenergy planning. In particular, the estimation of the biomass supply/demand ratio under different scenarios, a preliminary analysis of biomass qua - lity, and the influence of local environmental, economic and logistical characteristics on biomass production can be performed. The Biomasfor model is available online for testing and integration at http://sourceforge.net/projects/biomasfor/.