This book is written for scientists and practitioners interested in deepening their knowledge of the sustainable production of bioenergy from wood in tropical and sub-tropical countries. Utilising the value chain concept, this book outlines the necessary aspects for managing sustainable bioenergy production. A wide range of topics is covered including biomass localization, modelling and upscaling, production management in woodlands and plantations, and transport and logistics. Biomass quality and conversion pathways are examined in order to match the conversion technology with the available biomass. A section is dedicated to issues surrounding sustainability. The issues, covered in a life-cycle assessment of the bioenergy system, include socio-economic challenges, local effects on water, biodiversity, nutrient-sustainability and global impacts. Through this holistic approach and supporting examples from tropical and sub-tropical countries, the reader is guided in designing and implementing a value chain as the main management instrument for sustainable wood.

Inhalt

1. Bioenergy from wood in the tropics.- 2. Localisation of biomass potentials.- 3. Modelling and simulation of tree biomass.- 4. Managing Southern African woodlands for biomass production: The potential challenges and opportunities.- 5. Biomass production in intensively managed forests.- 6. Biomass Harvesting and logistics.- 7. Biomass conversion to bioenergy products.- 8. Biomass Quality.- 9 Socio-economic aspects of rural bio-energy production.- 10. Ecological impacts of biomass production at stand and landscape levels.- 11. Determination of the environmental implications of bio-energy production using a life-cycle assessment approach.