Identification of potential energy wood terminal locations using a spatial multicriteria decision analysis

The model was demonstrated in Styria (Austria). Infrastructure and phytosanitary risks have been identified as the most important evaluation criteria for selecting EWTs, whereas land use and nature protection have been identified as negligible. Only 18% of Styria, or almost 300,000 ha, were classified as potential storage areas. In particular, coniferous forests and alpine areas with steep terrain and high snow cover duration reduced the original study area dramatically. Therefore, more than 50% of the land is potentially suitable only in the most southeastern part of the province. In this region, hilly terrain and broadleaved forests dominate, which are not excluded from storing fuel wood because of phytosanitary risks. The application of a pre-defined grid achieved 82 potential EWT points for the total area of Styria.