Solid biomass within the energy system of Eastern Paraguay—status and consequences

In 2012, solid biomass accounted for roughly 46 % of the total final energy consumed in Paraguay. However, the provision of such biomass (mainly wood fuels) is quite an informal sector. Also, the data about the provision and use of solid biomass published by official institutions do not reflect reality and in some cases they are even contradictory. Thus, this paper aims to provide a bottom-up assessment of sustainable solid biomass resource availability as well as the demand for covering part of the given energy requirements in the Eastern part of Paraguay. The results of this approach show a strong imbalance between the supply (9.5 million tons) and demand (15.4 million tons) of solid biomass from sustainable production (2012). Therefore, the main conclusion of this assessment is the urgent necessity to implement a consistent program for forestry development, and management to allow for a sustainable provision of solid biomass in the future.

Subjects

Paraguay

Paraguay bioenergy potential

Solid biomass

Solid biomass supply and demand

Wood fuels

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Solid biomass within the energy system of Eastern Paraguay—status and consequences