Biomass produced from wood is increasingly used for energy, especially heating. Currently in Macedonia, Balkan region however mainly firewood (wood logs traditional system) is used. Modern production of wood chips and/or pellets is limited used. This market is increasing rapidly. Fast growing wood species offers a good option for production of biomass for energy.
In Macedonia many agricultural lands are not or marginal used. Some of these lands are not very suitable for agricultural farming, but can be used well for fast growing trees species, producing biomass. Such trees can also be integrated in existing farm land on borders, windshields, over corners. Besides the production of biomass from the trees, tree belts also fulfilling other functions as wind protection reducing water inundation in wet areas, improvement of micro climate conditions or erosion control of river banks.
In Europe several fast growing species are introduced and used for producing biomass. These are not used yet in Macedonia and its region. In Hungary trees a propagated for improving their production. One of the varieties is (White Willow) Salix alba, a fast-growing variety Express, used for plantation growing and production of biomass for energy in Hungary.