Analysis of the Benefits of Wood Biomass Fuel Switch Projects Implemented by UNDP in BiH

Analysis of the Benefits of Wood Biomass Fuel Switch Projects Implemented by UNDP in BiH

October 14, 2016

Bosnia and Herzegovina has rich forest resources, both from the aspect of distribution and biodiversity, with a significant share of its territory covered by forests. BiH has the highest forest share as well as the highest level of diversity in terms of forest types among the countries of the Western Balkans. Forest resources are the basis of the local economy in many rural communities and often form the only source of income.

Many businesses are involved directly or indirectly in wood harvesting and processing and wood and wood products (most notably furniture) represent one of the country’s main export categories. Wood resources are also widely used by households for heating: 88.3 per cent of room heating and 54.5 per cent of individual central heating. Wood stands as the largest source of renewable energy in BiH, accounting for 57 per cent of renewable energy production in 2013.

Biomass energy is seen as having the potential to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, contribute to rural development, create local jobs and increase energy security. In light of the growing portfolio of biomass fuel switch projects implemented by UNDP in BiH, this study aims to quantitatively assess the environmental and socioeconomic impact of these projects in terms of changes in GHG emissions, heating costs and thermal comfort as well as their contribution to the local economy.

The study looks at biomass fuel switch projects implemented at the time of the study by UNDP in twenty-six facilities in twenty municipalities in Bosnia and Herzegovina . These fuel switch projects were conducted jointly or with cofinancing through four projects or programmes implemented by UNDP.

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