Abstract
In the last years, European and international protocols have been set to force the member states to gradually switch from fossil to renewable energy sources. Among the different renewable energy sources, South Tyrol has an interesting potential on the woody biomass. According to a preliminary study conducted in South Tyrol, a considerable share of biomass from forest is already used in the energetic chain and there is still margin of improvement. Also the riparian vegetation is already used, but its contribution is considerably small and it could be improved. Furthermore, considering the biomass in a larger perspective, agricultural residues could be considered as potential energy sources. In the framework of a project financed by the autonomous province of Bolzano (Sustainable use of biomass in South Tyrol: from production to technology), a preliminary assessment has been conducted for some feedstocks locally available; Norwegian spruce, willow, apple logs and apple pruning. The preliminary results highlight that the pollutant emissions are slightly higher for apple residues compared with the other feedstocks. Nevertheless, most of the emissions are within the limits set by EN 303-5. However, further analyses have to be completed in order to define its suitability for the energy chain.