Promoting biomass through a circular management processes at local scale in Berguedà county
Published on 05 July 2018
Spain
Cataluña
This is the good practice's implementation level. It can be national, regional or local.
About this good practice
The project implies:
1.Global forests management, from the harvesting planning until the delivery at the mill site.
2.Optimization of the wood products obtained through their classification.
3.Consumption of obtained biomass by local demand.
7 forest municipalities have become members of an association with the aim of creating jobs and managing 16,000 ha of public forest.
Forest products are not sold on the stump, as usual, but classified and delivery at the mill site. Harvesting operations are paid according to wood products obtained with the aim of adding more value to the chain. Only wood without any other possible commercial use is classified as biomass.
The local demand for biomass has been promoted through 2 actions:
1.Installation of 13 biomass boilers that supply heat to 32 municipal facilities in 6 municipalities part of the association, with a 4.3 MW power capacity and a consumption of 1,350 tons/year of high quality woodchips. This activity generates consumption during cold months.
2.Construction of an heat generation center in an industrial district for industrial applications. Two 2.3 MW boilers for heat generation, between 80° and 290°, and a woodchips consumption estimated around 7,500 t/year. This activity generates consumption throughout the year.
All processes are managed by the Association of Berguedà municipalities, together with the Catalan forest services.
Definitely, a local virtuous loop of supply and demand for zero mile bioenergy is closed
1.Global forests management, from the harvesting planning until the delivery at the mill site.
2.Optimization of the wood products obtained through their classification.
3.Consumption of obtained biomass by local demand.
7 forest municipalities have become members of an association with the aim of creating jobs and managing 16,000 ha of public forest.
Forest products are not sold on the stump, as usual, but classified and delivery at the mill site. Harvesting operations are paid according to wood products obtained with the aim of adding more value to the chain. Only wood without any other possible commercial use is classified as biomass.
The local demand for biomass has been promoted through 2 actions:
1.Installation of 13 biomass boilers that supply heat to 32 municipal facilities in 6 municipalities part of the association, with a 4.3 MW power capacity and a consumption of 1,350 tons/year of high quality woodchips. This activity generates consumption during cold months.
2.Construction of an heat generation center in an industrial district for industrial applications. Two 2.3 MW boilers for heat generation, between 80° and 290°, and a woodchips consumption estimated around 7,500 t/year. This activity generates consumption throughout the year.
All processes are managed by the Association of Berguedà municipalities, together with the Catalan forest services.
Definitely, a local virtuous loop of supply and demand for zero mile bioenergy is closed
Resources needed
Forest management: 1 technician
Boilers & equipments costs are directly paid by services subscribers through annual fee
The Government of Catalonia, the Barcelona County Council & the Association of Berguedà Municipalities have contributed to the 2.5 MioEUR cost for the industrial district heating
Boilers & equipments costs are directly paid by services subscribers through annual fee
The Government of Catalonia, the Barcelona County Council & the Association of Berguedà Municipalities have contributed to the 2.5 MioEUR cost for the industrial district heating
Evidence of success
40 jobs have been created in the county. Forest operations run on a regular basis, not on a seasonal one as in the past. Furthermore, with higher specialization and better skills.
Around 400 ha/yr of forests are managed and 12,000 tons/yr of wood are harvested Actually, the quantity and quality of forest products obtained is better than in the past.
At the present, biomass boilers related to this projects sum a total 8.9 MW capacity.
Around 400 ha/yr of forests are managed and 12,000 tons/yr of wood are harvested Actually, the quantity and quality of forest products obtained is better than in the past.
At the present, biomass boilers related to this projects sum a total 8.9 MW capacity.
Potential for learning or transfer
The project has a great potential for learning and transfer:
It is important to underline that owners (public and private) cooperation can generate projects encouraging the forest sector development and strengthening the forest value chain.
It is important to underline that owners (public and private) cooperation can generate projects encouraging the forest sector development and strengthening the forest value chain.
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Organisation
Association of Berguedà municipalities
Spain
Cataluña