Availability of Biomass Across the Globe

Regional Shares of Bioenergy Supply 2004

Significant regional differences exist with regard to the availability (at right) and use of biomass resources in the world. In Africa, most of the biomass used in the continent is harvested informally and only a small part is commercialized. Traditional technologies predominate. In many parts of Asia and Latin America, on the other hand, modern and commercial bioenergy options are readily available and significant. The Brazilian ethanol program, based largely on sugar cane, for example, is well-established and provides alternative fuel to the transportation sector at highly competitive prices.

In addition to woodfuels, other biomass fuels such as forest and crop residues, as well as animal waste, are common sources of bioenergy. Besides the amount of readily available biomass in the form of residues, and the potential for improved efficiency in technologies being presently applied, many countries still have land available for energy plantations. Integrating biomass harvesting for energy purposes with forestry and agricultural activities is another option. In most regions, the use of biomass still needs to become sustainable, this being true both where traditional and modern technologies are applied.