Wood for Bioenergy : Forests as a Resource for Biomass and Biofuels

Today, as much of the world seeks to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, energy companies and nations alike are turning once again to our oldest renewable energy resource―wood. Both developing and industrialized countries are increasing their use of wood biomass as a direct substitute for fossil fuels for heating and producing electricity. And research is well underway on converting wood to a liquid fuel, which could lessen the reliance on oil.

But using wood for bioenergy and biofuels is not without its issues. Of primary concern is if the wood needed for those purposes can be secured on a sustainable basis. And without sizeable subsidies, it is not yet cost effective to convert wood to liquid fuel at a commercial scale. Other issues include the relation between biomass harvesting and carbon emissions, evaluating supply chain systems for energy markets, and the effect subsidies can have on the price of wood. By reviewing the historical context and contemporary issues surrounding this topic, Wood for Bioenergy provides a primer for teachers, policymakers, energy producers, landowners, forest managers, and journalists on this critical energy source.

This book was published with support from the Plum Creek Foundation, U.S. Forest Service Research, Forest Investment Associates, National Alliance of Forest Owners, Potlatch Corporation, Price Biostock, the Westervelt Company, and the Lynn W. Day Endowment for Forest History Publications.

Brooks Mendell is president of Forisk and vice president of research. His 20 years of experience include roles in forestry operations with Weyerhaeuser, in forest industry consulting with Accenture, and in academia as a member of the forestry and finance faculties at the University of Georgia. An award-winning speaker, he has also published more than 70 books and articles on topics related to wood bioenergy, global forestry markets, timberland investments, timber REITs, forestry operations, and business communications. He earned BS and MS degrees at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and MBA at the University of California, and a PhD in forest finance at the University of Georgia.

Amanda Hamsley Lang is senior consultant at Forisk and managing editor of Wood Bioenergy US. In addition to leading Forisk’s wood bioenergy research program and supporting strategy consulting projects, she teaches workshops and delivers presentations related to tracking and evaluating wood bioenergy markets. Her background includes operations experience with International Paper and award-winning forestry operations research at the University of Georgia under Dale Greene. As part of her research, Amanda speaks with dozens of wood-using project managers, researchers, and contacts on a monthly basis. She received BS and MS degrees in forest resources from the University of Georgia.