The utilization of tropical forests as a source of energy - the present and future potential
Catinot, R.
Bois et Forets des Tropiques 184: 3-30
1979
ISSN/ISBN: 0006-579X Document Number: 340849
The potential energy production of naturally regenerated or planted trees in dense rain forest and in savanna areas is analysed: rain forest on a 50-yr rotation should produce annually the equivalent of 0.9-2.0 t of petroleum per ha; production from savanna woodland is tabulated according to rainfall. Savanna species are mostly suitable for coppicing giving high output when protected from fire. Plantations (mainly of eucalypts) in wet tropical areas, and possible systems of rural land use are discussed. A projection is made of the world supply of energy potentially available from the tropical forests. The examples and illustrations are taken from French-speaking Africa.