Wood as a Source of Fuel in South Africa

Abstract

SYNOPSIS At present about 4% of South Africa's primary energy is wood, most of which is non-commercial firewood. In the subsistence sector serious shortages of firewood occur in many areas. A vigorous effort is required to promote woodlots for fuel. Methodology is governed more by social factors than technical. The problem in the commercial sector is quite the opposite, that is, under-utilisation. There is already unused waste and a surplus totaling over ten million tonnes per year as well as scope for a million hectare expansion in plantation. In this case solution and implementation are subject to technical and economic factors. The wood is seldom in the right place and in the right form for use as energy. The problem of incompatibility with the end-use system and difficulties in transportation can often be reduced by converting the fuel to a gaseous, liquid or char form, but this involves an energy loss.