The Role And Importance Of Wood Biomass In Croatian Energetics

Renewable sources, regenerative or alternative energy sources are sources which are within the human horizon practically inexhaustible or they are relatively quickly restored. Today, they are increasingly in use for its safety for environment. With wind, solar and geothermal energy, one source of this kind is biomass consisting of various products of flora and fauna, such as wood waste in forestry, manufacturing remains in wood industry, various vegetable oils, straw, corn stalks, animal faeces and residues from livestock, municipal and industrial waste, etc. Of all forms of biomass, the widest use occupies wood biomass. In this work is briefly explained the concept of biomass with a detailed focus on wood biomass as one of renewable source of energy. Aim of this work is to present the role and importance of wood biomass in Croatia as one of the most important energy sources in the near future. Use of wood biomass (in the form of firewood) has a long tradition in the Republic of Croatia. The Republic of Croatia has significant potential of wood biomass for energy production, which confirms the fact that forest and woodlands cover 47% of Croatian land surface. The role of wood biomass is multiply, both in environmental protection and in terms of sustainable development. Besides, it is important to highlight social and economic contribution of biomass whose exploitation creates independence from imported energy, creates new working positions, and opens the chances to export, strengthen the regions and promote environmental protection. These are important factors because of which biomass in the energy strategy of Republic of Croatia represents an important role as evidenced by international collaboration in this field as well as organizing traditional international scientific meetings. Croatian Ministry of Economy is on of the key subjects that with its not just short-term but also longterm energy policy and energy development strategy can greatly contribute that biomass in the Croatian energy sector according to its potential take the place in the politics of sustainable which belongs to her.