The present thesis gives a wide look at the current situation of biomass as a renewable
energy, getting in depth in the particular situation of this energy source in Catalonia, a
Spanish region located in the north-east of the country.
It is structured so that the first chapters give a broad explanation about what is biomass,
in order to clarify the main topic of the thesis to the reader. It is quite common
nowadays to hear about renewable energies and therefore about biomass, but it is not
always true that everybody knows exactly what this term refers to. In addition to the
general description of the energetic source, different classifications are given, as well as
the diverse causes why it is considered a renewable energy, and consequently the
advantages that is has compared to the fossil resources.
After this initial general clarification, the chapters get deeper in the topic. The different
technologies which can be used to obtain energy from biomass are enlightened, paying
special attention to those technological processes which are mainly used in Catalonia;
they are the physicochemical transformations. It includes the conditioning activities
which make possible an energetic use of biomass, plus the techniques themselves which
convert biomass into energy.
Then, the issue converges to Catalonia, beginning with a quick account of the European
and Spanish biomass state, referred to the political situation (political plans and actions
taken in order to stimulate the use of biomass) and the evolution of biomass use along
last years. Next, the detailed view of the situation in Catalonia is given. This is similar
to the explanation given about Europe and Spain, but getting further into the
circumstances in there. Finally, biomass existences in the Catalan forests, different
types of soil found in the region, diverse treatments given to biomass, and the main
energetic applications of biomass, such as power plants or domestic hot water grids, are
explained.
