Energy forests on small rural properties in the semi-arid region of Brazil

This study aimed to analyze the importance of implementing Eucalyptus L’Heritier silviculture in the formation of energy forests in small rural properties in the semi-arid ecoregion of Brazil known as Caatinga. To this end, a bibliographic review was carried out based on the technical-scientific literature related to the topic, available in official databases, journals and research platforms. The energy matrix (the type of energy source available to commercial, industrial and domestic sectors) of the region still consumes a large volume of native wood in the Caatinga ecoregion, largely extracted illegally. Alternative sources are crucial for conserving this already impacted ecosystem. Due to eco-physiological characteristics, some eucalyptus species tolerate the soil and climatic conditions of the Brazilian semi-arid and have properties suitable for energy production. It is concluded that wood production from planted eucalyptus forests, implemented in already degraded areas on small rural properties in the semi-arid region of Brazil for energy purposes, is an important opportunity to establish a clean and renewable, socioeconomic development system within the broader context of environmental conservation.