sign in sign up
<<
Home , Biomass

02 July QJF Featuresp181-226:Apr QJF Features 16/7/07 15:45 Page 207

WOODFUEL - WHAT THE FUTURE MAY HOLD

Gabriel Hemery questions whether it is right to put all our faith in woodfuel, or whether there are better ways in which can help provide supplies and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

ne planet living, , green In the UK interest in is gathering Oenergy, halting the loss of biodiversity, rural pace although we have been left at the starting economic development, green space, access for line. In contrast to most northern European all, nature’s classroom; these mega-issues steer countries where energy contributed at our working lives and occupy Government. How least 10% to heat generation, it provided only 1% do these relate to woodfuel now and how might to the UK in 2003 (Lindner et al., 2007). With they in the future? The simple answer to these the publication of a woodfuel strategy for questions is that woodfuel is now seen as a England (Forestry Commission England, 2007), central pillar and the saviour of UK forestry. Are the Government has set an ambitious target to we right to put so much faith in woodfuel and harvest an additional 2 million tonnes of what is the big picture for UK energy and each year for the woodfuel market by 2020. forestry? Wood for or timber? Setting the scene There is unprecedented interest and huge Worldwide concern about climate change and expectations for the role of woodfuel in shaping the need to develop energy supplies and reduce the forestry sector’s development in the 21st greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions has led to century. It seems clear that any new market that increasing interest in biofuels. The under- may stimulate the management of our existing exploitation of in the developed world has under-managed is to be welcomed. provided an additional incentive to manage the However, are we right to have such a strong resource and stimulated interest in wood focus on burning the products from our for energy, heating and transport . ? The EU has ambitious targets to increase the There is huge potential for increasing the use share of renewables in total , of wood in construction. In general, energy from 5% in 1997 to 12% by 2010. The EU Biomass Action Plan (CEC, 2005) assumes “The transition to a low-emissions global that the 12% target will be met economy will open many new opportunities by a combination of bio- across a wide range of industries and services. heating and bio- Markets for low carbon energy products are from biomass and co- likely to be worth at least $500bn per year by generation. In March 2007 the EU heads of government 2050, and perhaps much more. Individual agreed a new target of 20% by companies and countries should position 2020. In 25% of themselves to take advantage of these energy needs and the majority opportunities” of heating needs are currently (Chapter 12: Stern, 2006). provided by biofuels. 207

Hemery GE. (2007) Woodfuel - what the future may hold. Quarterly . 101:207-212. 02 July QJF Featuresp181-226:Apr QJF Features 16/7/07 15:45 Page 208

QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF FORESTRY

managers to thin and prune their crops to produce quality timber. A significant proportion (46%) of arboricultural arisings arise from non-stem wood elements (i.e. branch wood, wood chips, foliage) (Forestry Commission England, 2007). It is worthwhile noting that some older valuable literature exists concerning management of woodlands for timber and energy production. The recommendations of Crockford et al., (1987), including establishment of cooperatives, demonstration woodlands and research trials ring true today, 20 years later. Corbyn et al. (1988) provide useful information on estimating the branchwood component of broadleaved forests. The silvicultural options arising from any decision relating Figure 1.Options for selection of crops and tree species to meet to whether we grow for different objectives (adapted from Matthews and Robertson, 2005). timber and/or fuel are currently unclear (Figure 1). In addition, the production has less associated GHG benefit than affect of climate change on material substitution (Greig, 2007) and more needs to be considered carefully. Evidence research in this area should be encouraged. One points towards the need for robust mixtures, both study indicated that an 86% reduction in GHG in terms of genetic origin (and quality) and emissions could be achieved by maximising the species (Broadmeadow et al., 2005). With the use of timber in buildings (Edinburgh Centre for focus for research and practice during the 1990s Carbon Management, 2006). Product and 2000s being directed towards native substitution for carbon-rich materials (e.g. brick, planting, local origin and single species concrete, plastic) can make substantial carbon , the sector is in danger of being out savings. For example, currently in England only of step with the needs of 21st century forestry if around 10% of new buildings are built with we are to deliver ‘robust’ woodlands. timber framed techniques compared to 80% in In the future, second generation Sweden or 55% in Scotland. Timber and wood technologies such as ‘Treethanol’ (Bacon, 2007) products are carbon-lean (not quite carbon may provide new opportunities for the use of neutral) and therefore can directly and indirectly wood products to contribute to transport fuel contribute to reducing carbon emissions. needs, supplementing or even competing with If we were to concentrate on the production the first generation markets associated with heat of timber from existing woodlands (including and energy. those currently unmanaged woodlands) we could produce a significant volume of woodfuel as a Trade in carbon and wood resources by-product. Furthermore, the financial incentive Dependent on the future development of prices arising from such a market would encourage for energy and carbon emission credits, 208

Hemery GE. (2007) Woodfuel - what the future may hold. Quarterly Journal of Forestry. 101:207-212. 02 July QJF Featuresp181-226:Apr QJF Features 16/7/07 15:45 Page 209

WOODFUEL - WHAT THE FUTURE MAY HOLD

substantial market changes could occur until support for research and development may 2030. This could lead to the re-allocation of wood accelerate energy-saving technologies, resources, especially from board manufacturers leading to increased efficiency in energy use. as well as the and industries to the bio- Energy innovation may be expedited. energy sector (Lindner et al., 2007). The development of carbon markets is likely  Carbon-capture, hydrogen fuel cells and in to continue, in both the compliance (e.g. EU the longer-term, solar-space and fusion. ETS) and voluntary markets. However, the “Global public energy research and outlook beyond 2012 (the end of the current development funding should double, to Kyoto commitment) is difficult to predict around $20 billion, for the development of a (Carbon Trust, 2006). Some envisage that a diverse portfolio of technologies” (Chapter common standard may be introduced post-2012, 16: Stern, 2006). providing much needed credibility in the voluntary market. A new international climate  Increased political concerns about energy change agreement may also force radical security. Reducing reliance on others is likely changes to the carbon market. to be a key priority for current consuming The implications for the UK in the marketing nations, and for emerging economies, and international trade of woody biomass are not ensuring supplies for their rapid yet clear. International logistics lead to higher development. Concerns may also drive costs and additional energy losses compared to development of alternative technologies. local or regional utilisation (Schlamadinger et al., 2006). Marine transport is generally thought Production of heat or energy at small scales to have a low but one Scottish from a low-carbon source, close to where the study suggests that once the road legs and demand lies, makes both economic and associated handling are factored in for each end environmental sense. The selling of excess of a sea transit of timber (note not woodfuel), energy back to the grid makes these technologies then marine transport has only marginal benefits attractive to consumers/producers. Therefore, the over road, and is less efficient than rail (Spaven gradual decentralisation of energy supplies with et al., 2006). This suggests that stronger an increasing shift to micro-generation seems to domestic strategies (at national, regional and be continuing unabated and this suits the local levels) would be prudent. However, with development of woodfuel. Pathfinders such as the lower costs associated with land and labour TV Energy (www.tvenergy.org) in southern in developing countries, their potential for export England are leading the way with concepts such of woody biomass is likely to increase. as the ‘Tree Station’ and by pioneering partnerships and small-scale local schemes. Energy outlook Some believe the world is moving inextricably Resolving the energy – food – water trilogy towards energy deficit, although fossil energy is Water shortages already plague many developing predicted to remain dominant to 2030 (World countries, whilst under a changing climate water Energy Outlook, 2006). Conventional wisdom management is likely to be increasingly predicts that demand will be driven by China, important in the UK and other developing India and other emerging economies where countries. The electricity generating industry supplies will be heavily dependent on oil, gas may find it increasingly difficult to acquire the and , with renewables making only a small water it needs for cooling and other purposes. contribution overall. However, this ‘business as accounts for some 39% of usual’ outlook may overlook other mega-trends: fresh water withdrawals in the United States, only slightly behind agricultural irrigation.  Energy demand may increase less than stations in France went off line predicted; market forces and Government during the heat waves of 2003, when the water 209

Hemery GE. (2007) Woodfuel - what the future may hold. Quarterly Journal of Forestry. 101:207-212. 02 July QJF Featuresp181-226:Apr QJF Features 16/7/07 15:45 Page 210

QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF FORESTRY

drawn from rivers for cooling was too warm. Woodfuel and the environment Land use will play an important role in Lack of management of the UK’s woodlands is management and must adapt to increased widely recognised as a contributory factor in the summer drought conditions. decline of woodland biodiversity. The potential Will energy crops be developed at the for encouraging more woodland management in expense of food crops? The growing of large- the light of global timber market forces is scale mono-species is often seen as the currently taxing the UK Conservation Agencies economic way forward for biofuels. However, if (Lawson and Hemery, 2007). Encouragement of high energy prices make large-scale biomass woodland management is a central pillar of and other energy crops financially attractive, England’s woodfuel strategy (Forestry will farmers out of food production? This Commission England, 2007). would push up the price of Most forest residues food, adding to the distress of (branches, tops etc.) are left in poor people in some areas of Can we reduce the forest and the volume of the world. Many predict rising Greenhouse Gas roundwood extracted for other consumption linked to rising emissions more by uses is significantly less than its world population and growing and using volume growth in Europe. increasing affluence. Recent timber from our Lindner et al. (2007) debate in the agricultural sector considered the ecological has considered whether the UK forests, rather than constraints on greater might have to accept more burning it? utilisation of forest biomass in intensive or GM farming the EU, concluding that there is technologies to avoid food a potential to increase the shortages. Chief Executive of the Scottish utilisation of forests for in EU21 Agricultural College recently stated that food (EU25 without Cyprus, , Luxembourg production will need to double in the next 25 and Malta) to achieve 46 Mtoe in 2010, 45 Mtoe years, requiring more land for food production in 2020 and 59 Mtoe in 2030. However, the in the UK (BBC Today Programme: 0814, 18th implementation of environmental constraints April 2007). resulted in a 40% decrease in the energy Agriculture’s role in the global economy will potential compared to the estimated be strengthened, and stretched, as it attempts to technological potential (Lindner et al., 2007). service a vast, virtually unlimited market for (SRC), as opposed to transport fuel. Tropical and subtropical coppice (SRC), was identified in a recent report countries that can produce or as having no serious issues relating to will be able to fully exploit their year-round biodiversity, environment or landscape, growing conditions, giving them a strong providing that further guidance can be developed comparative advantage in the world market. The for potential growers by the FC (LTS impetus for production with the EU International, 2006). arises from the European Union’s goal of Any increased management activity in our meeting 5.75% of automotive fuel needs with woodlands must be carefully monitored. If the biofuels by 2010. Biofuels in Europe are woodfuel market develops as hoped, and exempted from the hefty taxes levied on woodland owners manage their woodlands more gasoline and diesel. Both Germany and France intensively to realise the targeted additional 2 are market leaders, using as the main Mt of woodfuel (Forestry Commission England, fuel source. 2007), potential negative impacts include Therefore, competition for economic land damage to woodland , inadequate use and environmental protection are likely to regeneration due to deer, reduction of deadwood compete with strategies to convert agricultural and loss of ‘old growth’ conditions, landscape land to new woodfuel resources. impacts, increased heavy vehicles on rural roads. 210

Hemery GE. (2007) Woodfuel - what the future may hold. Quarterly Journal of Forestry. 101:207-212. 02 July QJF Featuresp181-226:Apr QJF Features 16/7/07 15:45 Page 211

WOODFUEL - WHAT THE FUTURE MAY HOLD

Further policy levers may be required to this area would be welcome, as would promotion encourage appropriate management of of wood as a construction material through woodlands and the woodfuel industry. existing projects such as ‘Wood for Good’ The EU’s 2020 - 20% target seems to be out (www.woodforgood.com) and research by BRE of reach without suffering detrimental (www.bre.co.uk/). environmental impact or without disrupting The EU has ambitious targets for wood existing timber markets. Current estimates do biofuel consumption in its member states but not add up and therefore point to a future these appear un-obtainable without significant shortage of wood resource in Europe (Lawson impacts on the environment and on availability and Hemery, 2007). of timber for conventional markets. This can only drive up prices and more so if Challenges for UK forestry production from woods becomes economically  Forestry must integrate more closely with viable. The UK will face similar shortage of agriculture, environmental conservation, woody-biomass. energy, transport and social agendas (Lawson Competition for land due to predicted food and Hemery, 2007). shortages and biofuel production may make the growing of woodfuel through new  A growing skills shortage in forestry and projects (e.g. SRC and/or SRF) unviable. Given related disciplines. the need to manage our existing woodlands, and the public good values derived from sustainable  Lack of public understanding, including forest management of this resource, perhaps we ‘nature deficit disorder’ amongst young should prioritise efforts towards the growing of people. quality timber for a range of markets while aiming to harvest the arising forest residues for  Rebuilding the disjointed woodchain, from woodfuel. We may need to develop or revisit resource, procurement, marketing to end-use. silvicultural systems, species choices (native and non-native) and woodland management  Potential shortage of woody biomass. technologies before too long.

 Growing domestic (national, regional and References local) markets and systems. Bacon, D. (2007) ‘Woodstock revisited’. The Economist. pp. 16-17.  Target R&D to meet new silvicultural needs Broadmeadow, M., Ray, D. and Samuel, C. (e.g. species, genetics, systems, technologies, (2005) Climate change and the future for marketing etc.). broadleaved tree species in Britain. Forestry, 78, 145-161.  Bringing more woodland into better Carbon Trust (2006) ‘The Carbon Trust three management, without detriment to the stage approach to developing a robust environment. offsetting strategy’. Carbon Trust, www.CarbonTrust.co.uk, pp. 24. Summary CEC (2005) ‘EU Biomass Action Plan’. The forestry sector clearly needs to quickly Commission of the European Communities, capitalise on emerging opportunities. Key Brussels. amongst these is its contribution to a carbon-lean Corbyn, I.N., Crockford, K.J. & Savill, P.S. society. The most effective role for wood in the (1988) The estimation of the branchwood future appears unclear. Greater GHG emission component of broadleaved woodlands. savings may be realised by utilising wood more Forestry, 61, 193-204. as a substitute to carbon-rich construction Crockford, K., Corbyn, I. & Savill, P. (1987) ‘An materials, than by its burning. Further research in evaluation of the methodology for managing 211

Hemery GE. (2007) Woodfuel - what the future may hold. Quarterly Journal of Forestry. 101:207-212. 02 July QJF Featuresp181-226:Apr QJF Features 16/7/07 15:45 Page 212

QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF FORESTRY

existing broadleaved and coniferous SRFFinalreport27Feb.pdf/$FILE/SRFFinalre woodlands for timber and energy port27Feb.pdf, pp. 168. production’. A report prepared for the Energy Matthews, R. & Robertson, K. (2005) ‘Answers Technology Division, UK Atomic Energy to ten frequently asked questions about Authority. Agreement No. bioenergy, carbon sinks and their role in E/5A/CON/1156/1166. Oxford Forestry climate change’. IEA Bioenergy. Task 38. Institute, Oxford, pp. 223. http://www.ieabioenergy-task38. Edinburgh Centre for Carbon Management org/publications/faq/, pp. 8. (2006) ‘FC Scotland greenhouse gas Schlamadinger, B., Faaij, A., Junginger, M., emissions comparison - carbon benefits in Woess-Gallasch, S. & Daugherty, E. (2006) timber construction’. ECCM Report 196. ‘Options for trading bioenergy products and http://www.forestry.gov.uk/pdf/Carbonbenefi services’. Tasks 38 and 40. IEA Bioenergy, tsoftimberinconstruction.pdf/$FILE/Carbonb http://www.ieabioenergy-task38. enefitsoftimberinconstruction.pdf, pp. 26. org/publications/T38-40-biotrade.pdf, pp. 12. Forestry Commission England (2007) ‘A Spaven, D., Elder, D. & McCrossan, D. (2006) woodfuel strategy for England’. ‘Business opportunities for the marine http://www.forestry.gov.uk/england- transport of timber in Scotland’. Final Report. woodfuel, pp. 7. Scottish Enterprise, http://www. Greig, S. (2007) Carbon issues in UK forestry. forestryscotland.com/pages/download.asp?fil Quarterly Journal of Forestry, 101, 128-134. e=Marine%20Transport%20of%20Timber% Lawson, G. & Hemery, G. 2007 ‘World timber 20in%20Scotland%20(March%202006).pdf, trade and implementing sustainable forest pp. 80. management in the UK’. Report to the Stern, N. (2006) ‘Stern review: the economics of Woodland Policy Group. pp. 86. climate change’. http://www.hm-treasury. Lindner, M., Eggers, J., Zanchi, G., Moiseyev, gov.uk. A., Tröltzsch, K. & Eggers, T. (2007) World Energy Outlook (2006), http://www. ‘Environmentally compatible bio-energy worldenergyoutlook.org/summaries2006/Eng potential from European forests’. European lish.pdf Environment Agency, http://biodiversity- chm.eea.europa.eu/information/database/fore Gabriel Hemery* is Director of Forestry sts/EEA_Bio_Energy_10-01- Horizons. www.ForestryHorizons.eu 2007_low.pdf/download, pp. 54. LTS International (2006) ‘A review of the *Forestry Horizons, Manor House, Little potential impacts of short rotation forestry’. A Wittenham, Oxon OX14 4RA. report for the Forestry Commission and Defra. http://www.forestry.gov.uk/pdf/

212

Hemery GE. (2007) Woodfuel - what the future may hold. Quarterly Journal of Forestry. 101:207-212.