Next Article in Journal
Electric Vehicle Charging Load Prediction Based on Weight Fusion Spatial–Temporal Graph Convolutional Network
Previous Article in Journal
Modeling of the Fourth-Generation Toyota Prius Traction Machine as the Reference for Future Designs
Previous Article in Special Issue
Thermochemical Production of Hydrogen from Biomass: Pyrolysis and Gasification
 
 
Font Type:
Arial Georgia Verdana
Font Size:
Aa Aa Aa
Line Spacing:
Column Width:
Background:
Article

The Energy Potential of Firewood and By-Products of Round Wood Processing—Economic and Technical Aspects

by
Katarzyna Mydlarz
1 and
Marek Wieruszewski
2,*
1
Department of Law and Organization of Agribusiness Enterprises, Faculty of Economics, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Wojska Polskiego 28, 60-637 Poznan, Poland
2
Department Mechanical Wood Technology, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Wojska Polskiego 28, 60-637 Poznan, Poland
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Energies 2024, 17(19), 4797; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17194797
Submission received: 6 September 2024 / Revised: 23 September 2024 / Accepted: 24 September 2024 / Published: 25 September 2024

Abstract

:
According to most energy demand forecasts, woody biomass has the potential to become an important source of renewable energy, especially during the transitional period of energy transition. The aim of this article was to estimate the energy potential of the biomass from the forest and the biomass generated by the mechanical processing of wood raw material and also to show the spectrum of possibilities for the potential use of the biomass for energy production in Poland. This research used available statistical and literature data on the species structure of harvested wood and the qualitative and assortment structures of woody biomass. The basic parameters of the raw material were evaluated in accordance with the EU classification of energy wood. This study confirmed the relationship between the energy potential of woody biomass and energy demand in Poland. The correlation coefficient for these variables was r = 0.984. This correlation was reflected in the significant shares of biomass in the production of electricity (more than 9%) or heat (almost 14%). Energy wood resources in Poland are smaller than in other European Union countries, which affects the scale of the potential use of woody biomass for energy purposes. Nevertheless, the use of such a biomass is fully justified from the point of view of possible development.

1. Introduction

In 2022, energy prices around the world increased on an unprecedented scale. This price rise was mostly the result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. On the one hand, Russia significantly reduced the supply of classic energy carriers, especially gas, coal, and oil. On the other hand, the EU imposed sanctions on the aggressor. This situation has shown how important it is for the security of countries to diversify their energy sources. Even the richest countries in Western Europe were still struck by the effects of the increase in the prices of energy carriers, especially their limited supply. Therefore, the search for solutions weakening the dependence on external suppliers of energy resources and ensuring the greater stability of the economy is inevitable. Additionally, in order to follow both the current and future environmental trends, these solutions should include renewable energy sources (RES) on a larger scale. Unfortunately, the rate of investments in RES is too slow, especially in Poland [1]. Due to the lack of decisive and economically significant actions in this area, not only the industry but also households have had to bear the costs of the economy based on fossil fuels.
In the EU, wind, water, and solar energy have the largest shares in renewable energy. In 2020, it amounted to about 83% of the total energy obtained from renewable sources (in Poland, the share was about 93%) [2]. These values show the differences in the structures of renewable sources in relation to the group of other renewable energy sources, including biomass. Although the share of green energy in the energy mix has noticeably increased, the share of biomass in it is still small, despite its considerable potential. Moreover, individual EU member-states differ in their approaches to the amount of biomass used and the actions they take to ensure energy security [3].
Differences in the amounts of biomass, depending on the industry sector using it, can also be observed. As far as the wood industry is concerned, depending on the type of raw material processed and its energy potential, the simplest solution would be to generate energy from woody biomass (especially indirect woody biomass—secondary biomass). This is justified because at every stage of production, from the harvesting of raw materials to the manufacturing of finished products, various types of by-products and waste are generated, and they can be used as sources of energy. Despite the fact that, according to statistics, woody biomass has so far not been a significant source of energy generated from renewable sources in Poland, its energy potential justifies its most efficient use.

An Overview of the Literature

Fossil fuels are still widely used as sources of energy around the world. In order to slow down and mitigate the negative effects of burning such fuels and to ensure energy independence, many countries introduced solutions promoting the adoption of appropriate policies and action plans in this area [4,5]. Currently in the EU, energy transformation is being planned and implemented. Actions leading to the transition into a low-emission economy and society are being taken. They primarily consist of attempts to reduce total energy consumption and increase the role of renewable energy [5,6]. The following three main areas of energy transit have been identified for the needs of this transformation: smart energy systems, market mechanisms, and IT (information technology) policy and support [7]. It is noteworthy that the energy transformation goals are not the exclusive domain of governments. Expectations regarding the joint responsibility of enterprises and society in this area seem to be absolutely justified. Industry is expected to take actions to reduce energy consumption and its impact on the environment, whereas people are expected to increase their energy awareness and consequently adopt a more responsible lifestyle. In the face of the current threats on the global and internal energy market, many companies, e.g., the wood industry, have taken steps to ensure stable access to energy sources and to secure their own energy independence. Due to the fact that sometimes, the potential of these enterprises significantly exceeds their individual needs, the surplus of energy may be transferred to the local market [8]. On the one hand, this will reduce the consumption of energy from fossil fuels. On the other hand, this will result in the development of cooperation within local structures and reduce the demand for energy from the domestic market.
There are some interesting solutions proposed under the energy transition scheme. One of them consists of the empowerment of individuals so that they can have greater energy independence. This solution assumes a shift from their current role of consumers to a more active role of prosumers [9]. According to the report published by Eurelectric (the association representing the common interests of the power industry in Europe and with representatives from over 30 European countries) [10], by 2050, over 260 million people in Europe will have become prosumers in the energy market. Those prosumers will produce 45% of renewable energy. Thus, they will become the main element of the energy transformation [11]. In this context, citizens will be a significant part of the entire energy system. In energy communities, which are a new concept, people and businesses participate in joint initiatives using renewable sources, usually to meet the community members’ demands for energy [12].
The structure of the energy market, as well as the related legal, administrative, and social infrastructures, are among the main factors facilitating the creation, functioning, and development of energy communities. These communities also offer the possibility of the active participation of individuals and local communities in the energy system and contribute to the social acceptance of initiatives related to renewable energy [13]. The formal aspect of energy communities supports the involvement in the business activities of corporate entities operating in the energy market. Energy communities also support the implementation of systems responding to the demand for energy, as well as energy storage technology. In this way, they contribute to the development of energy systems and improve their flexibility. For example, the Clean Energy for all Europeans Package (CEP) enables participation in electricity trading, i.e., its generation, consumption, sharing, and sale. It also promotes a wide range of actions leading towards a more flexible and competitive electricity market [9]. The EU member-states, including Poland, are expected to transpose and adopt the CEP into their national legislation. These include the Renewable Energy Directive (RED II) 2018/2001/EU [14,15] and the Energy Market Directive (ED 2019) 2019/944 [16,17]. The RED II introduces the concept of renewable energy communities (RECs), whereas the ED 2019 introduces the concept of citizen energy communities (CECs). There is also the RED III, which sets a more ambitious target of achieving a share of 42.5% of renewable energy in total EU energy consumption by 2030. The directive also introduces sectoral targets that are key to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to cleaner energy sources [18].
Improved energy security, reduced emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG), and significantly lower consumption of fossil fuels may transform the European economy into a more energy-independent and environmentally neutral system. This requires actions leading to the better management of natural resources [19]. Both forestry and the wood industry, which are important sources of biomass for energy, have a potential in this respect. In reference publications, biomass is defined as all biodegradable organic matter. It includes waste products from both agriculture and other sources, including forests and woodlands [20,21]. Forest biomass is the key substrate for the production of solid biomass and first-generation biofuels [22,23,24,25,26]. It is the main source of renewable energy around the world [27,28]. This is supported, among other things, by the energy value of raw wood, which, at a moisture content of 35%, is between 7.44 GJ/m3 for pine and 10.09 GJ/m3 for beech or oak [8]. However, due to limitations related to the amount of biomass, its storage, transport, diverse species composition, dimensions, and processing capabilities, it can be used mainly in local thermal power plants and factories [29,30]. Therefore, it is justified to perform analyses that may indicate the scale of the potential use of woody biomass in Poland. Another reason for these analyses is the fact that so far, neither the authors of the reference publications nor other researchers have provided any detailed information on the economic energy balance of the use of woody biomass.

2. Materials and Methods

This study provides a summary of the data on the amount of firewood harvested and the amount of by-products generated in the Polish primary wood-processing industry. The energy potential of this group of raw materials was determined. The prices of energy were provided by the Energy Regulatory Office (ERO). The study was based on desk research and analysis. Pearson’s r was used to show the correlation between the data under analysis. The research enabled:
  • The determination of the type and quantity of raw wood harvested for energy in forests in Poland.
  • The determination of the type and amount of biomass produced for energy by primary wood-processing plants.
  • The determination of the energy potential of woody biomass obtained from the State Forests National Forest Holding and from the mechanical processing of raw wood.
The following data were assumed to calculate the energy potential:
1 TJ = 1000 GJ,
1 TJ = 277.78 MWh,
1 GJ = 278 kWh,
1 TWh = 1,000,000 MWh.
  • The determination of the economic potential of the woody biomass under analysis.
  • The indication of the scale and possibilities of handling biomass in primary wood-processing plants.
The study of the abundance of biomass from the forest consisted of verifying the data provided by the main supplier of the raw wood material, i.e., the State Forests National Forest Holding. The data from annual reports published between 2010 and 2021 were presented. The share of individual structures of firewood assortments was indicated, and the following wood classes were separated: M1 and M2—small-sized firewood, S4—wood used as a fuel, and S2AP assortments—energy wood [31]. In order to determine the potential of postproduction biomass generated at sawmills, the amount of raw wood processed in domestic primary wood-processing plants and indicators resulting from the processing of raw wood materials were verified. An average efficiency level of 60% was adopted on the basis of the data resulting from sawmill processes [32]. The share of woodchips was 18%, sawdust was 10%, and other materials (piece waste) was 12%. The share of bark remains, an additional resource of biomass, amounted to about 8%. (According to data provided in reference publications [33,34], a moisture content of 35% was used to determine the energy potential of firewood.)

3. Results

Biomass generated in forestry mainly consists of firewood obtained as a result of thinning and maintenance cuts. In the wood industry, biomass includes all kinds of by-products and waste generated in production processes. This biomass is the basic output potential for the production of energy, especially heat, mostly in wood industry enterprises.
The form of biomass largely determines the possibilities of its handling. Due to the costs of the transport and storage of wood biomass, in wood-processing plants, the most optimal solution is to use it at the place where it is produced. It is an opportunity for the wood industry to not only use its by-products or waste for the production of energy (heat and electricity) but also to reduce dependence on external energy suppliers and create a local sales market that can secure the demand of a new group of buyers for energy, mainly heat. According to the data of the Energy Regulatory Office, in 2020, biomass total was the third (after coal and natural gas) most common raw material used for heat production, with a share of 7%. In 2021, it was in the second place, with a share of 8.1% [35,36]. These values, and above all, the increasing share of biomass among renewable raw materials used for energy production, confirmed its potential and the energy production trend, which the authors of reports and scientific publications had been indicating for years [37]. For this reason, it is crucial to determine the general demand for energy, indicate the possibilities of securing its supply, and determine the economic, environmental, and social cost-effectiveness of such projects.
As the results from the data of the Energy Regulatory Office (ERO) showed, over the last three years, the prices of energy in Poland gradually increased (Figure 1), although the dynamics of these increases were quite diversified. In 2022, the prices increased by almost 90%, mainly due to the political decisions made as a result of the war in Ukraine. This fact caused representatives of the EU member-states to hold numerous discussions and take actions regarding energy structure and independence. Therefore, in view of the fact that there is still high uncertainty in the markets and the fact that most changes in the energy systems of individual countries can be implemented only in the long term, in the near future, the prices of energy are likely to remain high, especially the prices of energy generated from fossil sources.
Like the prices of electricity, the prices of heat also increased significantly in recent years, although they were fairly stable between 2010 and 2020. The differences between the minimum and maximum prices of heat energy from coal, gas, and RES amounted to 45.9%, 25%, and 24.5%, respectively, as shown in Figure 2. In turn, between 2020 and 2023, the differences between the minimum and maximum prices of the heat generated from each carrier were as follows: coal—136.9%, gas—140.2%, and RES—121.9%.
As can be seen in Figure 2, the average sale prices of fossil fuels and the average prices of RES were the closest. In 2019, the average prices of the latter were, for the first time, lower than the average prices of the former fuels. This situation resulted from the high costs of coal mining, its limited supply, and penalties for CO2 emissions, which, since 2019, have been even more restrictive [39]. Therefore, coal prices will presumably remain high in the coming years. Such a radical increase in the prices of classic electricity and heat carriers led to the search for alternative sources, especially for a short time. Therefore, the shift towards firewood and energy wood has become an important and achievable element of energy security. According to the research on the Polish market [40,41] and the data shown in Figure 3, in recent years, the amount of this fuel has not been greater than 7 million m3 per year [42,43,44,45,46].
The average amount of firewood harvested annually is not sufficient. The possibilities of its extensive use for energy production are limited, as can be seen in Table 1, which shows the total energy potential of firewood.
Apart from firewood and energy wood, the by-products and wood residues generated during the mechanical processing of raw wood also had significant energy potential (Table 2).
It was possible to show the scale of potential energy security by calculating the energy potential of firewood, as well as the potentials of by-products and bark generated during mechanical processing within a year. The results are shown in Table 3.
A biomass potential of 13.7 percent for heat or 9.33 percent for electricity can demonstrate the significant impact of woody biomass on energy security in the country. Hence, a correlation analysis was carried out for the data in Table 3. The study statistically evaluated the relationship between individual data heat demand, electricity demand, and biomass potential in Poland. In the Pearson’s r assessment, the study was evaluated according to the statistic.
As can be seen in Figure 4 and Figure 5, the demand for electricity and heat in Poland increased significantly in recent years. The value of the Pearson correlation coefficient (r) for the energy potential of wood biomass and the demand for energy in Poland was positive (significance level p = 0.01). It showed a significant relationship between the evaluated parameters and indicated the growing importance of woody biomass for Poland’s energy security.
It is noteworthy that in practice, the aforementioned values of the energy potential of woody biomass cannot be achieved in Poland because the amount and assortment of by-products generated in larger mechanical wood-processing plants are so significant and valuable that it mostly goes to other wood-processing plants—mainly to enterprises manufacturing chipboards, OSBs, or wet- and dry-formed fiberboards and producing wood pellets and wood briquettes. However, this does not change the fact that the actual potential of this biomass is significant. The aforementioned values of these indicators can be achieved by increasing the efficiency of raw materials, maximizing the use of by-products and waste generated in other industries of the wood sector, using energy wood from plantations, and using post-consumer wood.

4. Discussion

The high prices of gas and coal, resulting from the limited supply of these raw materials, especially from Russia, are responsible for about 90% of the pressure on the increase in the costs of electricity around the world [55]. This trend is also visible in Poland, where the dynamics of electricity prices in 2022 was almost 90% greater than in the previous year. For heat in the year 2022, the year-over-year growth rate amounted to 236.9% for coal, 249.2% for gas, and 221.9% for RES, which corresponded to average increases of 136.9%, 149. 2%, and 121.9%, respectively (Figure 2).
In order to compensate for shortages, Europe decided to import more liquefied natural gas (LNG) and to supplement the deficit of other energy sources by increasing the potential of renewable sources. Due to the fact that so far, all government actions, especially those ensuring an adequate level of gas stocks, have been taken under the pressure of time, it is necessary to accelerate the implementation of projects involving renewable energy sources. Therefore, in the current situation, the increasing of energy efficiency is of key importance, and it should be an essential element of both short- and long-term actions. The studies and analyses assessing the energy potential of woody biomass and the energy demand in Poland confirmed a significant correlation between them (r = 0.984). This correlation was reflected by the considerable shares of biomass in the production of electricity (over 9%) or heat (almost 14%). However, it should be emphasized that increased demand for wood raw material will also increase its price as a commodity.
The current energy situation shows how sensitive markets are to external factors and how unstable the entire energy system is. This poses a lot of problems for both enterprises and people. As the prices of energy are still high (Figure 1 and Figure 2), they force people to take positive actions. On the one hand, they stimulate the improvement of energy efficiency. On the other hand, they force consumers to change their behaviors. These measures should be implemented as soon as possible, although their effects will be poorly visible in the short term. It is also necessary to use the most suitable substitutes for classic energy sources, i.e., coal, gas, and oil. These substitutes should be available in a short time and should not require high investment outlays. Therefore, the first natural reaction to such a radical increase in energy prices was to use firewood, as well as all wood waste and by-products. Calculations showed that the energy potential of the assortments analyzed in the example cannot meet the total demand for energy. However, the shares of 13.72% for heat or 9.33% for electricity indicated that this group of assortments may be important for the diversification of energy sources (Table 3). It is noteworthy that this potential is constantly growing, due to the improved technology of woody biomass processing [56,57].
As results from the current geopolitical situation, as well as from the political and economic decisions made in consequence of the events that have taken place recently (in recent years) in Europe and the world, the current energy crisis may be a turning point towards bioenergy [20,58,59].
A more inclusive approach to energy problems would help to benefit from the energy transformation as much as possible. The current geopolitical situation shows that many countries have heavily modified their energy markets for the coming years. The environmental arguments that have been raised so far have now been reinforced by economic arguments, which additionally refer to the energy security of individual economies. Such comprehensive prioritization highlights the importance of sustainable development to meet the growing energy demand of industry and society. Unfortunately, decision-makers differ significantly in their opinions, especially those regarding bioenergy and climate protection. Therefore, the authors of this study believe that it is extremely important that all actions concerning energy independence should be taken also by individual enterprises and on a local scale because this will increase the security of these entities in emergency situations.
There has been an interest in renewable energy sources in literature, where the focus is on increasing the use of biomass energy. From this point of view, biomass energy made from woody biomass, in light of studies on the potential of combining it with other forms of renewable energy, is a periodic alternative to energy security. There are some risks that may be due to the heterogeneity and contamination of biomass, which may cause effects that are harmful to the environment and society. Most studies of the energy potential of woody biomass focus on the use of biomass waste materials. The results show that there is still a need to search for high-quality and efficient biomass energy materials from biomass blends [56,57,60].

5. Conclusions

  • Each year, Polish sawmills generate over 6 million m3 of wood by-products processed to different extents. This value is similar to the declared resources of firewood and energy wood obtained directly from the State Forests National Forest Holding in Poland.
  • The increase in prices of energy from conventional sources intensifies consumers’ attempts to use renewable sources to a greater extent, especially woody biomass.
  • The potential percentage shares of heat and electricity generated from woody biomass, amounting to 13.72% and 9.33%, respectively, cannot be achieved, due to the actual use of part of the biomass. These values could be achieved by maximizing the use of by-products and waste generated in other industries of the wood sector and by using energy wood from plantations and recycled post-consumer wood.
  • As shown by the results of the review of reference publications on meeting the demand for energy by the member-states of the European Union, the increase in the share of woody biomass is significantly correlated with the decrease in the share of fossil fuels. Therefore, an increase in the share of woody biomass in Poland may secure a significant part of the demand for energy in this country.

Author Contributions

Conceptualization, K.M. and M.W.; methodology, M.W.; validation, M.W. and K.M.; formal analysis, K.M. and M.W.; investigation, K.M.; resources, K.M. and M.W.; data curation, K.M.; writing—original draft preparation, K.M. and M.W.; writing—review and editing, K.M.; visualization, K.M.; supervision, K.M.; project administration, K.M.; funding acquisition, K.M. and M.W. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Funding

The publication of this study was financed by the Polish Minister of Science and Higher Education as part of the Strategy of the Poznan University of Life Sciences for 2024–2026 in the field of improving scientific research and development work in priority research areas.

Data Availability Statement

The data are included in this publication.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

References

  1. Juszczak, A.; Maj, M. Rozwój i Potencjał Energetyki Odnawialnej w Polsce. [Development and Potential of Renewable Energy in Poland]; Polski Instytut Ekonomiczny: Warszawa, Poland, 2020. [Google Scholar]
  2. E-magazyny.pl. Available online: https://e-magazyny.pl/aktualnosci/oze/eurostat-w-ue-juz-37-energii-pochodzi-z-odnawialnych-zrodel/ (accessed on 20 July 2024).
  3. Statistics Poland. Energy from Renewable Sources in 2022; GUS Statistics Poland: Warszawa, Poland, 2023; ISSN 1898-4347. Available online: https://stat.gov.pl/en/topics/environment-energy/energy/energy-from-renewable-sources-in-2022,3,15.html (accessed on 20 July 2024).
  4. Ritchie, H.; Rosado, P. Fossil Fuels. 2017. Available online: https://ourworldindata.org/fossil-fuels (accessed on 20 July 2024).
  5. Scarlat, N.; Dallemand, J.-F.; Fahl, F. Biogas: Developments and perspectives in Europe. Renew. Energy 2018, 129 Pt A, 457–472. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  6. Ren21 Renewables. Report Global Status Report; Ren21: Paris, France, 2019; p. 336. Available online: https://www.ren21.net/reports/global-status-report/ (accessed on 11 June 2024).
  7. European Environment Agency. Share of Energy from Renewable Sources (nrg_ind_ren). Available online: https://www.eea.europa.eu/data-and-maps/data/external/share-of-energy-from-renewable-sources-1 (accessed on 11 June 2024).
  8. Mydlarz, K.; Wieruszewski, M. Economic, Technological as Well as Environmental and Social Aspects of Local Use of Wood By-Products Generated in Sawmills for Energy Purposes. Energies 2022, 15, 1337. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  9. Stolarski, M.; Warmiński, M.; Krzyżaniak, M.; Olba-Zięty, E.; Akincza, M. Bioenergy technologies and biomass potential vary in Northern European countries. Renew. Sustain. Energy Rev. 2020, 133, 110238. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  10. Eurelectric Annual Report 2019. Available online: https://annualreport2019.eurelectric.org/ (accessed on 10 February 2024).
  11. Grzybek, A.; Gradziuk, P.; Kowalczyk, K. Słoma Energetyczne Paliwo. [Straw Energy Fuel]; Wydawnictwo Wieś Jutra Sp. z o.o.: Warszawa, Poland, 2001; p. 15. (In Polish) [Google Scholar]
  12. Eur-Lex. Directive (EU) 2019/944 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 June 2019 on Common Rules for the Internal Market for Electricity and Amending Directive 2012/27/EU. Available online: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32019L0944 (accessed on 10 October 2023).
  13. Lewandowski, W.M. Proekologiczne Odnawialne Źródła Energii; Wydawnictwo WNT: Warszawa, Poland, 2012; Volume 322, ISBN 9788363623579. (In Polish) [Google Scholar]
  14. Directive (EU) 2018/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2018 on the Promotion of the Use of Energy from Renewable Sources (Recast). Available online: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=uriserv:OJ.L_.2018.328.01.0082.01.ENG (accessed on 22 February 2024).
  15. Chochowski, A.; Krawiec, F. Zarządzanie w Energetyce. Koncepcje, Zasoby, Strategie, Struktury, Procesy i Technologie Energetyki Odnawialnej. [Management in Energy. Concepts, Resources, Strategies, Structures, Processes, and Technologies of Renewable Energy]; Wydawnictwo Difin: Warszawa, Poland, 2008; pp. 80–83. ISBN 9788372518590. (In Polish) [Google Scholar]
  16. Directive 2019/944—Common Rules for the Internal Market for Electricity and Amending Directive 2012/27/EU (Recast). Available online: https://www.eumonitor.eu/9353000/1/j9vvik7m1c3gyxp/vkzda5zpqazl (accessed on 22 February 2024).
  17. Abbasi, T.; Abbasi, S.A. Biomass energy and the environmental impacts associated with its production and utilization. Renew. Sustain. Energy Rev. 2010, 14, 919–937. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  18. Directive (EU) 2023/2413 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 October 2023 Amending Directive (EU) 2018/2001, Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 and Directive 98/70/EC as Regards the Promotion of Energy from Renewable Sources, and Repealing Council Directive (EU) 2015/652. Available online: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2023/2413/oj (accessed on 22 February 2024).
  19. McCormick, K.; Kautto, N. The bioeconomy in Europe: An Overview. Sustainability 2013, 5, 2589–2608. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  20. Roszkowski, A. Bioenergia—Pola i lasy zastąpią węgiel, ropę i gaz? [Bioenergy-Fields and forests will replace coal, oil and gas?]. Inżynieria Rol. 2009, 13, 243–257. (In Polish) [Google Scholar]
  21. Leal-Arcas, R.; Akondo, N.; Rios, J.A. Energy Decentralization in the European Union. Georget. Environ. Law Rev. 2019, 32, 1042–1058. [Google Scholar]
  22. Sokólski, M.; Jankowski, K.J.; Załuski, D.; Szatkowski, A. Productivity, Energy and Economic Balance in the Production of Different Cultivars of Winter Oilseed Rape. A Case Study in North-Eastern Poland. Agronomy 2020, 10, 508. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  23. Budzyński, W.S.; Jankowski, K.J.; Jarocki, M. An analysis of the energy efficiency of winter rapeseed biomass under different farming technologies. A case study of a large-scale farm in Poland. Energy 2015, 90, 1272–1279. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  24. Davis, S.C.; Anderson-Teixeira, K.J.; DeLucia, E.H. Life-cycle analysis and the ecology of biofuels. Trends Plant Sci. 2009, 14, 140–146. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  25. Ajanovic, A. Biofuels versus food production: Does biofuels production increase food prices? Energy 2010, 36, 2070–2076. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  26. Demirbas, A. Biofuels sources, biofuel policy, biofuel economy and global biofuel projections. Energy Convers. Manag. 2008, 49, 2106–2116. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  27. Keles, S.; Kar, T.; Bahadir, A.; Kaygusuz, K. Renewable energy from woody biomass in Turkey. J. Eng. Res. Appl. Sci. 2017, 6, 652–661. [Google Scholar]
  28. Bartosiewicz-Burczy, H. Ekonomika wykorzystania energii źródeł odnawialnych do produkcji energii elektrycznej. Energetyka 2002, 7, 458–463. (In Polish) [Google Scholar]
  29. Wyszomierski, R.; Bórawski, P.; Jankowski, K. Pozycja Polski w produkcji biomasy na tle innych krajów Unii Europejskiej. Roczniki Naukowe SERiA 2018, XX, 177–183. (In Polish) [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  30. Gostomczyk, W. Konkurencyjność odnawialnych źródeł energii. Rocz. Nauk. SERiA 2014, 16, 55–61. (In Polish) [Google Scholar]
  31. Górna, A.; Wieruszewski, M.; Szabelska-Beręsewicz, A.; Stanula, Z.; Adamowicz, K. Biomass Price Prediction Based on the Example of Poland. Forests 2022, 13, 2179. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  32. Wieruszewski, M.; Trociński, A.; Kawalerczyk, J. The effect of raw material selection on material efficiency indicators in large-sized roundwood processing. Acta Sci. Pol. Silv. Colendar. Rat. Ind. Lignar 2020, 19, 105–112. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  33. Nosek, R.; Holubcik, M.; Jandacka, J. The impact of bark content of wood biomass on biofuel properties. BioResources 2016, 11, 44–53. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  34. Konôpka, B.; Pajtík, J.; Šebeň, V.; Merganičová, K. Modeling Bark Thickness and Bark Biomass on Stems of Four Broadleaved Tree Species. Plants 2022, 11, 1148. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  35. Urząd Regulacji Energetyki. Available online: https://www.ure.gov.pl/pl/urzad/informacje-ogolne/aktualnosci/5395,URE-za-stworzeniem-krajowego-systemu-weryfikacji-biomasy.html (accessed on 10 July 2024).
  36. Adamik, A.; Nowicki, M.; Puksas, A. Energy Oriented Concepts and Other SMART WORLD Trends as Game Changers of Co-Production—Reality or Future? Energies 2022, 15, 4112. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  37. The European Commission’s Knowledge Centre for Bioeconomy. 2019. Available online: https://knowledge4policy.ec.europa.eu/sites/default/files/jrc114122_a0_infografica_bioeconomy_07-01-2019.pdf (accessed on 10 July 2024).
  38. Urząd Regulacji Energetyki. Available online: www.ure.gov.pl/pl/energia-elektryczna/ceny-wskazniki (accessed on 19 July 2024).
  39. European Union. Available online: www.europa.eu (accessed on 30 July 2024).
  40. Wieruszewski, M.; Górna, A.; Mydlarz, K.; Adamowicz, K. Wood Biomass Resources in Poland Depending on Forest Structure and Industrial Processing of Wood Raw Material. Energies 2022, 15, 4897. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  41. Wieruszewski, M.; Górna, A.; Stanula, Z.; Adamowicz, K. Energy Use of Woody Biomass in Poland: Its Resources and Harvesting Form. Energies 2022, 15, 6812. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  42. GUS. Forestry 2017. Available online: https://stat.gov.pl/download/gfx/portalinformacyjny/pl/defaultaktualnosci/5510/1/13/1/lesnictwo_2017.pdf (accessed on 10 February 2024).
  43. GUS. Statistical Yearbook of Forestry 2018. Available online: https://stat.gov.pl/download/gfx/portalinformacyjny/en/defaultaktualnosci/3328/12/1/1/statistical_yearbook_of_forestry_2018.pdf (accessed on 10 February 2024).
  44. GUS. Statistical Yearbook of Forestry 2019. Available online: https://stat.gov.pl/download/gfx/portalinformacyjny/en/defaultaktualnosci/3328/12/2/1/statistical_yearbook_of_forestry_2019.pdf (accessed on 10 February 2024).
  45. GUS. Statistical Yearbook of Forestry 2021. Available online: https://stat.gov.pl/download/gfx/portalinformacyjny/en/defaultaktualnosci/3328/12/4/1/statistical_yearbook_of_forestry_2021.pdf (accessed on 10 February 2024).
  46. GUS. Statistical Yearbook of Forestry 2022. Available online: https://stat.gov.pl/download/gfx/portalinformacyjny/en/defaultaktualnosci/3328/12/5/1/statistical_yearbook_of_forestry_2022.pdf (accessed on 10 February 2024).
  47. Encyklopedia Lasy Polskie (Polish Forests Encyclopaedia). Available online: www.encyklopedia.lasypolskie.pl (accessed on 25 July 2024).
  48. Forest Land Balance. Available online: https://stat.gov.pl/download/gfx/portalinformacyjny/en/defaultaktualnosci/3322/3/4/1/forest_accounts_in_poland_in_2019.pdf (accessed on 11 January 2024).
  49. LP 2019—Report on the State of Forests in Poland 2019. Available online: www.bdl.lasy.gov.pl (accessed on 23 July 2024).
  50. National Forest Inventory (2019–2023) Download (Only Polish Language Version). Available online: https://www.bdl.lasy.gov.pl/portal/wisl-en (accessed on 23 October 2021).
  51. Tao, G.; Lestander, T.A.; Geladi, P.; Xiong, S. Biomass properties in association with plant species and assortments I: A synthesis based on literature data of energy properties. Renew. Sustain. Energy Rev. 2012, 16, 3481–3506. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  52. Mirski, R.; Trociński, A.; Kawalerczyk, J.; Wieruszewski, M. Pine Logs Sorting as a Function of Bark Thickness. Forests 2021, 12, 893. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  53. District Heating 2019—Challenges and Key Directions of Change. Available online: www.ure.gov.pl/pl/cieplo/energetyka-cieplna-w-l/9009,2019.html (accessed on 8 February 2024).
  54. Produkcja Energii Elektrycznej w Polsce. (Electricity Production in Poland). Available online: https://www.rynekelektryczny.pl/produkcja-energii-elektrycznej-w-polsce/ (accessed on 8 February 2024).
  55. Żuk, P.; Żuk, P. On the Socio-Cultural Determinants of Polish Entrepreneurs’ Attitudes towards the Development of Renewable Energy: Business, Climate Skepticism Ideology and Climate Change. Energies 2021, 14, 3418. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  56. Nishiguchi, S.; Tabata, T. Assessment of social, economic, and environmental aspects of woody biomass energy utilization: Direct burning and wood pellets. Renew. Sustain. Energy Rev. 2016, 57, 1279–1286. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  57. Kumar, A.; Adamopoulos, S.; Jones, D.; Amiandamhen, S.O. Forest Biomass Availability and Utilization Potential in Sweden: A Review. Waste Biomass Valorization 2020, 12, 65–80. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  58. European Commission. European Climate Pact. 2021. Available online: https://euromil.org/euromil-pledge-with-the-european-climate-pact/ (accessed on 2 August 2024).
  59. European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. Energy Sector Strategy 2019–2023 as Approved by Board of Directors at Their Meeting of 12 December 2018; European Bank for Reconstruction and Development: Strasburg, France, 2018; Available online: https://www.bing.com/search?q=European+Bank+for+Reconstruction+and+Development.+Energy+Sector+Strategy+2019%E2%80%932023+as+Approved+by+Board+of+Directors+at+Their+Meeting+of+12&qs=n&form=QBRE&sp=-1&lq=1&pq=european+bank+for+reconstruction+and+development.+energy+sector+strategy+2019%E2%80%932023+as+approved+by+board+of+directors+at+their+meeting+of+12&sc=0-139&sk=&cvid=86E018C90D6A43A8A2632D67B3632EDC&ghsh=0&ghacc=0&ghpl= (accessed on 11 June 2024).
  60. Rupasinghe, R.L.; Perera, P.; Bandara, R.; Amarasekera, H.; Vlosky, R. Insights into Properties of Biomass Energy Pellets Made from Mixtures of Woody and Non-Woody Biomass: A Meta-Analysis. Energies 2024, 17, 54. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
Figure 1. Changes in the prices of energy in Poland (previous year = 100). Source: The authors’ original compilation based on [38].
Figure 1. Changes in the prices of energy in Poland (previous year = 100). Source: The authors’ original compilation based on [38].
Energies 17 04797 g001
Figure 2. The average heat sales prices in Poland between 2010 and 2023 [PLN/G]. Source: the authors’ original compilation based on [38].
Figure 2. The average heat sales prices in Poland between 2010 and 2023 [PLN/G]. Source: the authors’ original compilation based on [38].
Energies 17 04797 g002
Figure 3. The amount of firewood harvested between 2010 and 2022 [thousand m3]. Source: [42,43,44,45,46]. * The data for 2022 were estimated according to the planned timber harvest volume for that year.
Figure 3. The amount of firewood harvested between 2010 and 2022 [thousand m3]. Source: [42,43,44,45,46]. * The data for 2022 were estimated according to the planned timber harvest volume for that year.
Energies 17 04797 g003
Figure 4. Heat demand and biomass potential in Poland. Source: Authors’ original compilation based on [53,54].
Figure 4. Heat demand and biomass potential in Poland. Source: Authors’ original compilation based on [53,54].
Energies 17 04797 g004
Figure 5. Electricity demand and biomass potential in Poland. Source: Authors’ original compilation based on [53,54].
Figure 5. Electricity demand and biomass potential in Poland. Source: Authors’ original compilation based on [53,54].
Energies 17 04797 g005
Table 1. Volume of harvested firewood and its energy potential.
Table 1. Volume of harvested firewood and its energy potential.
Type of FirewoodCalorific Value of Firewood
[GJ/m3]
Volume of Harvested Firewood (Softwood and Hardwood)—Thousand m3Energy Potential of All Firewood Harvested in a Given Year [GJ] *
Annual Average —2010–2021Annual Average —2021Annual Average—2010–2021Annual Average—2021
Medium-sized softwood (S4) 7.441599.331292 11,899.029612.48
Medium-sized hardwood (S4) 10.001746.42 1557 17,464.20 15,570
Small-sized wood (softwood and hardwood together) (M1 and M2)8.001496.58 140711,972.64 11,256
Energy wood—softwood and hardwood (S2AP) * category since 20198.002448.33 2735 19,586.6421,880
Total 7290.66699160,922.5 58,318.48
Source: Authors’ original compilation based on [42,43,44,45,46,47,48,49,50,51]. * Calorific value of firewood × volume of harvested firewood.
Table 2. The average amount of by-products generated yearly in the mechanical processing of raw wood and the energy potentials of these by-products.
Table 2. The average amount of by-products generated yearly in the mechanical processing of raw wood and the energy potentials of these by-products.
Types of By-ProductsVolumes of By-Products
[Thousand m3]
Energy Potentials of By-Products *
[GJ]
Total by-products (40%)6606.331,462,411
Woodchips (18%)2573.113,131
Other piece waste (12%)2381.6318,570,959
Sawdust and wood shavings (10%)1651.5812,878,321
Bark (8%)1321.264,909,086
Total by-products + bark7927.5636,371,497
Source: authors’ original compilation based on [8,32,52]. * Conversion factors were used to calculate the calorific value of by-products. The factors included the type of wood from which by-products are made, the share of this wood in the structure of the raw material, and a moisture content of 35%. This content can be assumed as the average value for by-products produced in sawmills.
Table 3. The energy potential of the described woody biomass and its value in 2021.
Table 3. The energy potential of the described woody biomass and its value in 2021.
SpecificationsHeatElectricity
Amount of energy generated in Poland425,100 TJ173.58 TWh
Energy potential of the described woody biomass58,318.48 TJ16.2 TWh
Potential percentage share of energy generated from the described woody biomass13.72%9.33%
Value of energy potential (Polish zlotys—PLN) according to prices in 20212,631,329,817.6 PLN *4,504,896,000 PLN **
Source: authors’ original compilation based on [53,54]. * The average price of renewable energy sources in 2021 was used to calculate the value of the heat potential, according to the Energy Regulatory Office, which was 45.12 PLN/GJ. ** The average price of renewable energy sources in 2021 was used to calculate the value of the electricity potential, according to the Energy Regulatory Office, which was 278.08 PLN/MWh.
Disclaimer/Publisher’s Note: The statements, opinions and data contained in all publications are solely those of the individual author(s) and contributor(s) and not of MDPI and/or the editor(s). MDPI and/or the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to people or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content.

Share and Cite

MDPI and ACS Style

Mydlarz, K.; Wieruszewski, M. The Energy Potential of Firewood and By-Products of Round Wood Processing—Economic and Technical Aspects. Energies 2024, 17, 4797. https://doi.org/10.3390/en17194797

AMA Style

Mydlarz K, Wieruszewski M. The Energy Potential of Firewood and By-Products of Round Wood Processing—Economic and Technical Aspects. Energies. 2024; 17(19):4797. https://doi.org/10.3390/en17194797

Chicago/Turabian Style

Mydlarz, Katarzyna, and Marek Wieruszewski. 2024. "The Energy Potential of Firewood and By-Products of Round Wood Processing—Economic and Technical Aspects" Energies 17, no. 19: 4797. https://doi.org/10.3390/en17194797

APA Style

Mydlarz, K., & Wieruszewski, M. (2024). The Energy Potential of Firewood and By-Products of Round Wood Processing—Economic and Technical Aspects. Energies, 17(19), 4797. https://doi.org/10.3390/en17194797

Note that from the first issue of 2016, this journal uses article numbers instead of page numbers. See further details here.

Article Metrics

Back to TopTop