Assessing the potential of fast-growing woody plants for heating

The thesis is focused on the current usage of the landscap, its condition and recommendations, that will lead to an increase in the resilience of the landscape to climate change and contribute to increase of energy self-sufficiency of the area. The aim of the thesis is to determine the attitudes of farm managers, landowners, municipalities and other participating objects towards the cultivation of fast-growing tree species on agricultural land for energy purposes. The literature research further specifies the meaning of self-sufficiency, energy management, shared community energy, sustainable development, current energy situation in the country, renewable energy sources especially biomass and related concepts. The methodology describes the procedure for conducting interviews and economic evaluation. Based on found opinions, the barriers (objective and subjective) that may hinder the establishment of a sustainable system for the utilization of fast-growing woody plants were evaluated. The economic evaluation compares the costs of heating selected urban buildings with biomass (wood chips) and natural gas.