Abstract
Biomass is one of the largest renewable energy sources in Latvia. Since 54,7 % of the state area is covered by forests, the firewood, wood chips and pellets play a significant role in the heat production, especially at households and municipal heating facilities. Wood chips and pellets are also important export products. Changes in the energy-producing wood export since 1997 are explained. Other kinds of biomass that can be used for heat and electricity production are various agricultural and food production residues, livestock breeding buy-products, sewage sludge, combustible (organic) part of household and industrial wastes, etc. In the present paper, a variety of biomass forms used as the energy sources are analysed. The characteristics of different types of wood biomass and the variations in their parameters are considered. The following determined parameters of biomass are presented: the calorific value, ash content, bulk density, melting point of ashes, sulphur and chlorine content, and others. The biomass energy potential calculated for different regions of Latvia (the data of 2007) is discussed. On the map of Latvia the amount and energy potential of agricultural straw and other biomass for different regions are shown. Some recommendations elaborated how to improve biomass utilization for heat and electricity production.
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