GREEN ELECTRICITY FROM WOOD BENEFITS AND LIMITS IN HUNGARY

Abstract

Renewable resources provide approximately 3.6\% of Hungary´s energy consumption. Although 83\% comes from the utilization of biomass its level of utilization is relatively low compared to the available amounts. The accessibility of renewable sources is considerably limited in Hungary. The greatest opportunity for the progress in Hungary lies in the utilization of biomass (firewood and fuelplant). 1MW electrical output needs 20 km² of a 100-year old forest (oa with continuous renewing afforestation. In this paper we observe whether that endangers the forestry of Hungary, which is only about 20\% of the total area. We also dicuss the possibility to increase our 3.6\% energy share in renewable energy based on forest. Minor plants based on woody chips and pellets with some MW output, might be well integrated into the rational lumbering. Large amounts of plant grown for energetic use can be realized in plant growing areas of the food industry that will be freed as a result of the EU accession.