Achieving wood energy potentials: evidence in northeastern Minnesota.

Abstract

A study of wood energy potential in northeastern Minnesota concludes that (1) the forests of the region could support a much larger wood energy harvest without significant cost increases for other forest products; (2) existing stands are predominantly overmature and cutting more now will enhance future wood supplies for all users; (3) converting to wood energy could reduce fuel costs for many consumers, businesses, and industries; (4) a wood energy industry would increase the region's output and employment and reduce the costs of its exports; and (5) most barriers to expanded wood energy use are institutional, not technical. Policies to encourage wood energy development can be developed at low cost.

Citation

Bradley, Dennis P.; Lothner, David C. 1987. Achieving wood energy potentials: evidence in northeastern Minnesota. General Technical Report NC-114. St. Paul, MN: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Forest Service, North Central Forest Experiment Station