Research

CANADIAN FOREST SERVICE
BIOMASS FOR ENERGY PROGRAM

Biomass is plant material, the product of photosynthesis, that can be used as a fuel to supply heat and electricity. Forest biomass includes trees that are of harvestable age (but not suitable for lumber), pulp, thinnings, residual material from harvesting and trees killed by fire, diseases or insects. Biomass may also consist of plantations of trees grown specifically for energy purposes. Biomass also includes the by-products of industrial processes; sawdust, bark, chips or ‘hog fuel'(pieces of wood of various sizes) and the lignin-rich ‘black liquors' used in the pulping process.

For biomass to be useful in energy production, it must be produced at a competitive cost, cause minimal environmental damage and the quality must be optimal for energy conversion and end use. This can be accomplished through appropriate harvesting technologies or post-harvest treatments. The CFS program attempts to:

• identify sources of increased biomass supply, for both existing and 'new' biomass;
• develop efficient methods of growing, harvesting, collection and transportation; and
• demonstrate the sustainability of increased biomass supply.

The program consists of assessing biomass resources in the fields of forestry and agriculture and developing methods to grow fibre for the production of bioenergy. This includes improving harvesting technologies, transport system efficiencies and storage systems as well as designing scenarios to improve supply.

Sources of supply
Growth, harvest and collection of biomass
Demonstrating sustainability
Benefits to community
International linkages
Future of the program and accomplisments