Wood to Energy Report Released

A new report by the U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities (the Endowment) and the University of Tennessee Office of Bioenergy programs reviews the current state of research and development of technologies for utilizing wood for the production of energy.  The peer-reviewed report entitled, “Wood to Energy:  A State of the Science and Technology Report,”characterizes industry process designs, stage of development or commercialization and suitability for the marketplace.  It also provides an analysis of market sustainability including opportunities and barriers of wood to energy production.

“As our partners consider how best to invest in and support the woody biomass industry — both that associated with the traditional forest products industry as well as the emerging alternative energy sector — it is vitally important that we have a sound understanding of the current state of the science and technology,” said Carlton Owen, President & CEO of the Endowment.  “This report should aid in providing that foundation and the accompanying Wood2Energy database (See related story January 1, 2010), will ensure a more accurate picture of where things are currently happening.”

Wood is the most important source of renewable energy in the United States and a primary source of fuel for much of the world.  Whether it is as simple as a campfire, or as sophisticated as producing ethanol, wood has a number of inherent advantages that ensure it will continue to be an important biofuel in the future.