MEETING THE INDUSTRIAL DEMAND OF BIOENERGY IN BRAZIL: THE POTENTIAL OF NONCOMMERCIAL Eucalyptus and Corymbia WOODS
Energy properties, Pyrolysis, Combustion, Cogeneration and Sustainable steelmaking
Wood energy plantations are important sources of feedstock for bioeconomy, given their potential to replace fossil fuels, which would ultimately result in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Eucalyptus and Corymbia woods have been widely used for the production of firewood, wood chips, and charcoal for the steel industry in Brazil. The present study aims to assess the properties of non-commercial Eucalyptus and Corymbia woods for energy purpose in Brazil. Six years after planting, the chemical, physical, energy, thermal properties, gravimetric yeilds and combustion performance of charcoal from Corymbia citriodora, C. variegata, C. henryi, C. torelliana, Eucalyptus amplifolia, E. longirostrata, E. major, and E. urophylla were analysed. Compared to E. urophylla’s wood, the most used species in the steel industry in Brazil, the wood from E. major, E. amplifolia, and C. torelliana had properties that favoured the production of high-quality charcoal for use in steel industry. C. citriodora, C. variegata, C. henryi, and E. longirostrata presented a high potential for use in energy cogeneration systems.