The biomass obtained from energy crops can be used as fuel for thermal and electricity production, as well as like raw materials for transport fuels (biodiesel, bioethanol) production.
The biomass from lignocellulosic energy crops is more suitable to be used as solid fuel in boilers and other combustion equipments for heat and electricity. Poplar, thistle (Cynara cardunculus) and possibly carinata (Brassica carinata) are at the present the species of bigger interest in Spain in this field.
Vegetal oils, mostly from rape, soja and palm, are presently used as raw materials for biodiesel production. In Spain, the sunflower and rape present the best opportunities as national raw materials.
Sugar cane and cereals (maize, wheat, barley) are the main raw materials for the production of bioethanol. In Spain wheat and barley are used. The Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus) could be of interest for this application in important Spanish areas.