Production of Biomass to Generate Energy in Austria

Agriculture and forestry produce biomass which is increasingly utilised for energy generation, because its use, through substituting for fossil fuels, improves supply security and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. At present, the prevailing use for timber is to generate heat in private households. Plant-based fuels and biogas-based electricity have been gaining in importance in recent years. When evaluating biomass generation in the form of energy indices we find that energy consumption in Austria is substantially higher. The contribution to be made by biomass to the energy supply is therefore limited. The potential to increase biomass production for energy purposes is greatest with regard to timber, starchy plants and residuals and by-products of agriculture.