Characterization of Pinus spp needles and evaluation of their potential use for energy.

The demand for new energy sources is growing and awakening interest in the use of forest residues. Charcoal was prepared at carbonization temperatures of 500 oC, 600 °C and 700 °C in order to evaluate the potential use of Pinus sp needles for energy. The anatomical and chemical characteristics of the needles and the charcoal produced were also evaluated. The needles were found to have ash content of 2.32% and gross calorific value of 20.30 MJ/kg. The calorific value increased by 45%, reaching 29.64 MJ/kg, after carbonization carried out at 600 oC. This value is higher than that for charcoal made from eucalyptus (19.25 MJ/kg) and even coconut husks (23.55 MJ/kg), showing the high energy potential of these needles.