Bioenergy Potential and Utilization Costs for the Supply of Forest Woody Biomass for Energetic Use at a Regional Scale in Mexico

Ulises Flores Hernández, Dirk Jaeger and Jorge Islas Samperio
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Ulises Flores Hernández: Chair of Forest Operations, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau 79085, Germany
Dirk Jaeger: Chair of Forest Operations, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau 79085, Germany
Jorge Islas Samperio: Instituto de Energías Renovables, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Temixco Morelos 62580, Mexico

Energies, 2017, vol. 10, issue 8, 1-25

Abstract: While considering constraints in regard to sustainability, this paper reviews the development of a methodology to assess the introduction of bioenergy supply chains in Mexico based on forest woody biomass. Three research modules include analyses of forest biomass utilization residues that originated from: (1) harvesting activities, (2) non-extracted stands and (3) sawmills. A regional case study focusing on tree species of commercial importance (pine, oak and fir) in the 10 provinces with the highest timber production located in the north and central-south part of the country, is analyzed. After applying the methodology, the theoretical potential of available woody biomass for energetic use amounts to 6,357,482 m 3 . When applying the sustainability constraints, the technically feasible supply of forest woody biomass for energetic use sums up to 5,798,722 m 3 , which relate to a technical energy potential of 45.96 PJ for 2013. Moreover, a biomass energy flow chart showing energy values for each analyzed source and species is presented. Monte Carlo simulations were carried out for each cost involved in utilizing the resulting available woody biomass for energetic use. In the absence of national studies which include forest operations and bioenergy transformation to calculate the sustainable energy potential, the developed methodology adds innovation for assessing woody biomass availability.

Keywords: bioenergy; energy supply chain; Mexico; sustainable forest utilization (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2017
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (5)

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