Planning forest biomass supply chain for energetic use through site analysis

A spatial analysis methodology should be required to define forest biomass availability for energetic use and, in the same time, to support decisions on the most appropriate supply logistic. The methodology has to consider terrain, road network and forest stand characteristics, as these main site features change in space and in time. In fact, consequently these factors influence supply cost that are straight connected to biomass localisation, quality of road network and machine accessibility. In order to evaluate the feasibility of supplying forest biomass (logging residue or un-merchantable logs) and consequently to estimate their amount and supply cost, a site analysis was carried out by a GIS methodology. Since a GIS methodology was previously developed for supporting raster analysis, in this case study a network study based on vector analysis were consequently developed in order increase the transport supply distance data quality. With the aim to define a forest biomass for energetic use supply basin a first rough Decision Support System was drafted considering road network and the amount of looking residues or un-merchantable logs left at forest roadside.