(44a) Developing Hardwood Bio-Energy Forest Plantations: Financial Returns from Genetics, Harvesting and Conversion Innovations

Bio-energy forest plantations will supplement woody biomass from other sources such as logging residues. In the southern US, projections are for an increase of up to 25 million “new” tons of woody biomass demand for bio-energy. Part of this “new” demand will be for wood pellets for domestic and international use. To supply this woody biomass demand will require purpose grown plantations of various species including pine, eucalypts, sweetgum, hybrid poplar and cottonwood, amongst others. Forest plantation yields can be 12-25 green tons/ha/year on rotations of 5-12 years. Utilization of this renewable and sustainable biomass resource will be as feedstock “designed” for a large number of bio-energy applications. Much of the emphasis has been on hardwood plantations due to their ability to coppice, continued genetic improvement programs as well as the opportunity to combine fast growth and wood properties in selected clones. In the specific case of Eucalyptus and Populus, there are a large number of commercial planting programs in countries outside the US.  Feedstock characteristics are important in bio-energy hardwood plantations. Firstly, the plantation hardwood species has to be adapted to the soil and climate conditions. The hardwood feedstock has to be acceptable in harvesting, field processing and ultimately for conversion to bio-energy. Lastly, the growing (stumpage), harvest, haul and preparation costs have to be favourable compared to other biomass options.