Wood biomass boilers and heating plants in north-eastern italy: which strategy to boost a sustainable local supply chain?

Use of wood biofuel for heating application is increasing in Italy. In some North-eastern areas, woody biomass partially contributes to cover the thermal energy demand. The actual use of wood fuel is strictly connected to founds promoted by regional governments. Aim of this study is to evaluate the demand and the offer of wood fuel energy, at regional and basin level, by analysing the distribution of boilers, forest and sawmill wood fuel resources. Wood fuel procurement is also investigated by interviews. Boilers are mainly located close to the sources of fuel (forest and sawmills). Two basins on 44 considered in the study have bigger demand than offer and are supplying fuel from other basins that exceed in resources. Wood fuel supply must be improved adopting storages to dry fuel before combustion.