Economical and technical comparison between herbaceous (Miscanthus x giganteus) and woody energy crops (Salix viminalis)

Lignocellulosic crops like Miscanthus (Miscanthus x giganteus) and willow (Salix viminalis) can have an interesting future in North-western European countries as energy crops. These crops can be produced in set-aside fields on the basis of CAP. In this paper an overview of the main production chains of the two crops is worked out. Special attention has been paid to the costs and energy input in the Netherlands. The chains for the production of willow stems has the lowest energy input. Not relevant differences between Miscanthus chains. willow chips are expensive because of drying costs.