Does the presence of bark in the wood of fast-growing forest species significantly change the energy potential?

Abstract

Fast-growing forest species established in tropical regions can supply much of the demand for renewable energy. The use of tree bark for energy is an alternative to gainfully exploit the residues generated by the forest industry. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of incorporation of bark in Schizolobium parahyba and Eucalyptus urophylla wood for energy purposes. The two species were planted with 3.0 m × 3.0 m spacing, in the central region of Brazil. The wood samples with and without bark were collected from trees, 3 years after planting to perform the physical and energy characterization of the biomass and the briquettes. The E. urophylla biomass presented better physical characteristics and lower ash content than S. parahyba. The presence of bark in E. urophylla and S. parahyba wood in small quantities (± 5%) is technically feasible for energy applications, including briquette production, thus offering an alternative for the destination of the residues produced in the wood processing industry.