The present work is mainly devoted to provide a rigorous analysis on the quantification, the mapping and the management of the bioenergy potential of forest residues from the most representative forestry species of the west-central region of Spain (Caceres). An appropriate methodological approach for the estimate of potential biomass and potential bioenergy as well as the use of GIS for data process are both crucial for the design of thermal plants and for the accurate estimate of biomass collection and transportation costs, according to the scale economy of the plant. The total forest residues in the province of Caceres are estimated as 463 000 t y (1). The availability of such major biomass potential for energy production is strongly conditioned to the inherent difficulties during the extraction process. This way, an energy potential of 139000 toe y (1) would be achieved if the above-mentioned biomass collection rate is assumed. The method to optimise the search for suitable locations for thermal plants as well as for biomass extraction/collection areas, based on the combined use of GIS and spatial analysis techniques, is also described. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.