Availability and conversion to energy potentials of wood-based industry residues in Cameroon

The importance of biomass as the most accessible primary energy source in C ameroon is presented. The valorization of wood wastes and residues is seen as a way of implementing the sustainable use of biomass resources. A recent survey of wood-based industries in Cameroon reveals that large volumes of industrial wood residues are generated in the rain forest areas and are une fficiently used. Important quantities are lost in the form of burning in th e four main forestry provinces, while other parts of the country suffer fro m fuelwood shortage. With the exception of the plywood factories, the wood industry is essentially dependent on commercial energy. An analysis made to show the economic and environmental benefits of converting wood residues t o energy for industrial and domestic use is presented. (C) 1999 Elsevier Sc ience Ltd. All rights reserved.