CARBON ACCOUNTING IN OUR FORESTS

Carbon absorption by forests
The consumption of pellets in 2018 fixed the pollution of 3 million cars in Spanish forests

The carbon absorption capacity of our forests and their carbon stock are carefully monitored. Changes in carbon stocks should not be observed in a few years and in only one tree or in individual stands, with a group of forest stands forming the mountains and forests. Carbon accounting should always be from a regional, global scope and not in a single stand or single tree, because this is what the atmosphere "sees." On a large scale, carbon capacity must be maintained at any time.

Today, lWood pellets are mainly produced from by-products of the wood industry, such as sawmills, and to a lesser extent wood without utility for making paper, cardboard, furniture, floors or packaging from thinning of forest use. This makes perfect environmental and economic sense. In fact, bioenergy is the source of energy that best meets the assumptions of the Circular Economy.

The 100% of the certified pellet used in Spain comes from sustainably managed forests, guaranteeing the growth of new trees instead of the trees used. For foresters and for society as a whole, it is important to reforest and support the natural regeneration of the forest after harvesting, which must be calibrated so that the forest can maintain its carbon absorption capacity in the future. All the pellets come from wood that grows in our forests in a natural way and contributes directly to their sustainable management.

For all this, and because it is doubly guaranteed, The use of pellets does not cause deforestation in Spain, nor puts the carbon stock of our forests at risk. On average, more than 65% of the wood that grows annually in Spanish forests remains in the forest, which increases the carbon stock. And of the 35% of wood that is extracted only, the 10% is converted into pellets.

In recent years, the consumption of pellets increased considerably in Spain, while the amount of wood for energy purposes has been constant. Therefore, its use is not boosting timber extraction from forests, but rather intelligently values ​​the remains of other timber industries. Not only that, but this constant consumption of wood for energy use also responds to the greater efficiency of the equipment, while years ago heating a home with firewood required a lot of quantity today The new pellet equipment is much more efficient and provides more heat with much less wood.

The use of pellets against climate change

In Europe, the consumption of pellets has gone from 4 to 14 million tons in the last 10 years. In this same period, the consumption of domestic pellets in Spain has increased from almost 100.000 annual tons to the 573.000 consumed in 2018. And the forecasts suggest that the million tons will be exceeded in 2022.

Spanish producers guarantee supply and increase manufacturing in an accompanied way. The productive capacity of Spain far exceeds the 593.000 tons manufactured last year, which were sufficient to supply the national market.

Reduced emissions with the use of pellets by replacing fossil fuels such as diesel, is equivalent to reducing emissions from 783.717 tons of CO2, or withdraw from circulation more than 3 millions of diesel cars. And if the forecasts are maintained, in 2022 it will be equivalent to withdrawing millions of diesel cars from the order of 6.

Sources: Avebiom y Bioenergyeurope