Altholz - Brennstoff der Zukunft?

The renewable energy law (EEG) and the waste wood regulation will influence the energetic use of wood, especially of waste wood. It is foreseeable that from 2000 to 2004 in Germany the electrical energy generated by biomass will triple. The EEG guarantees the reimbursement for electricity generated from biomass in Germany. In the biomass regulation those biomasses are more clearly defined to which the purchase and reimbursement obligation of the grid operator relate. Since 3/1/2003 the waste wood regulation offers over and above these fundamentals a deposition for waste wood. This compels the bodies responsible for safe disposal and the disposer of wastes for waste wood to open up new disposal avenues. Up to now biogenic fuels (biomass) in Germany have accounted for only a small fraction of total energy generation. Financial incentives have strongly increased the use ofbiogenic fuels. In 2000, in Germany there were 280 Mw of installed electrical power from biomass and it is expected there will be 700 Mw electrical power developed from biomass. In Germany the annual growth increment of timber is 30 million ton. As of now 20 million ton of timber are felled. For this reason in the long term a further increase of the use of energy from biogenic fuels is to be expected. In addition to the known split billets, fuel use of wood also involves chips or pellets. These fuels are developed in the trade, under DIN 51731, ONORM M 7133, ONORM 7135, and CEN 335 classifications. In these classifications the mechanical and combustion properties and maximum values for attendant components are provided. The discussion covers properties ofbiogenic fuels; waste wood; and fuel beneficiation.