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Something Old and Something New : Forest Bioenergy Production in Minnesota
| Content Provider | Semantic Scholar |
|---|---|
| Author | Becker, Dennis R. Eaton, L. Mckendree |
| Abstract | As a state with no coal, oil, or natural gas production, the development of renewable energy is vital to Minnesota's future. Forest biomass used for heating, electricity , and biofuel production is one potential source of energy that could significantly reduce our dependence on energy imports while reinvesting in local communities. Appropriately scaled and using the latest technology, it could also enhance forest productivity and reduce carbon emissions. Yet bioenergy investments have been slow to materialize despite an assortment of state and federal incentives. This study investigates the barriers to bioenergy development from the perspective of supply-chain actors in the state and identifies principles to guide enabling policy. One key finding is a lack of coordination and shared responsibility among various state agencies, industry associations, and nonprofit organizations, which has resulted in a fragmented set of policies. Those interviewed also identified the need to reduce fossil fuel subsidies and integrate bioenergy production with bio-based markets, including traditional forest products markets upon which bioen-ergy production is highly dependent. M innesota is home to vast quantities of biomass, which can serve as a significant source of renewable energy. Forest biomass— which includes the treetops and limbs left over from timber harvesting, as well as wood waste from manufacturing— offers a particularly interesting opportunity for expanding Minnesota's energy portfolio. A recent study estimates that use of forest biomass for energy production could sustainably produce upwards of one million dry tons of biomass annually, 1 enough to generate 150 megawatts of electricity per year to power more than 120,000 homes or (converted into thermal heat) to warm more than 400,000 homes. Bioenergy production first became an important source of domestic energy after the 1973 Arab oil embargo, but it failed to gain widespread adoption because of low fossil fuel prices. More recently, with the increased volatility of fossil fuels and the need to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires, policies to encourage the use of forest biomass for electricity, heating, and biofuel production have proliferated throughout the nation. 2 In Minnesota, Governor Tim Pawlenty signed the Next Generation Energy Act in May 2007, which requires that 25% of the total energy used in the state be derived from renewable-energy resources by the year 2025. The act provides a framework for more locally produced renewable energy and reduced 2 carbon emissions, and establishes forest biomass as a qualifying source. However, to take full advantage of … |
| File Format | PDF HTM / HTML |
| Alternate Webpage(s) | http://www.cura.umn.edu/sites/cura.advantagelabs.com/files/publications/Reporter-42-2-Becker__Eaton_0.pdf |
| Language | English |
| Access Restriction | Open |
| Content Type | Text |
| Resource Type | Article |
