Agricultural By-products and Waste Biomass Energy Potential in Latvia 2005–2009

Different kinds of biomass are important renewable energy sources in Latvia. Of course firewood, wood chips and pellets are the main part of biomass, because 54,7 % of the state area is covered by forests. But also other kinds of biomass can play a significant role in the heat and electricity production, especially at municipal heating facilities. Such kinds of biomass are various agricultural and food production residues, livestock breeding buy-products, sewage sludge, organic part of household and industrial wastes, etc. In the present paper, changes of amount and distribution of variety of biomass forms in five year period are analysed. The biomass energy potential for different regions of Latvia for this period is calculated and discussed. The energy potential of agricultural by-products and organic waste are shown on the map of Latvia.