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

Description

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. In addition, wood wastes from a range of sources (e.g. construction or demolition wastes, waste from manufacturing of wood based products) can potentially be used for bioenergy and biofuels production. Wood wastes are widely used as local fuel sources across the world, by combustion in wood burners or larger biomass boilers. As energy prices have fluctuated, and as concern about climate change has grown, companies and governments have looked increasingly to bioenergy as an economic and environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels as well as for energy security. Recent low forest product prices and financial difficulties faced by the forest sector have also led to calls for increased use of forest biomass for production of a range of bioproducts including bioenergy as additions or alternatives to traditional forest products. Forests are considered as important natural resources, so their proper management is highly essential for the growth and development of mankind.