Emissions, energy return and economics from utilizing forest residues for thermal energy compared to onsite pile burning

Greg G. Jones; Dan Loeffler; Edward Butler; Woodam Chung; Susan Hummel

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Emissions, energy return and economics from utilizing forest residues for thermal energy compared to onsite pile burning

Informally Refereed

Authors:

Greg G. Jones, Dan Loeffler, Edward Butler, Woodam Chung, Susan Hummel

Year:

2010

Type:

Proceedings

Station:

Rocky Mountain Research Station

Source:

In: Jain, Theresa B.; Graham, Russell T.; Sandquist, Jonathan. Integrated management of carbon sequestration and biomass utilization opportunities in a changing climate: Proceedings of the 2009 National Silviculture Workshop; 2009 June 15-18; Boise, ID. Proceedings RMRS-P-61. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 145-153.

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Abstract

The emissions from delivering and burning forest treatment residue biomass in a boiler for thermal energy were compared with onsite disposal by pile-burning and using fossil fuels for the equivalent energy. Using biomass for thermal energy reduced carbon dioxide emissions on average by 39 percent and particulate matter emissions by 89 percent for boilers with emission control. Over 21 units of bioenergy were produced for each unit of diesel energy used to collect, grind, and haul biomass. At prices in place at the time of the study, utilizing biomass was economically viable on 49 percent of the study area.

Parent Publication

Integrated management of carbon sequestration and biomass utilization opportunities in a changing climate: Proceedings of the 2009 National Silviculture Workshop; 2009 June 15-18; Boise, ID.

Keywords

biomass energy, bioenergy, carbon emissions, greenhouse gases, logging residues

Citation

Jones, Greg; Loeffler, Dan; Butler, Edward; Chung, Woodam; Hummel, Susan. 2010. Emissions, energy return and economics from utilizing forest residues for thermal energy compared to onsite pile burning. In: Jain, Theresa B.; Graham, Russell T.; Sandquist, Jonathan. Integrated management of carbon sequestration and biomass utilization opportunities in a changing climate: Proceedings of the 2009 National Silviculture Workshop; 2009 June 15-18; Boise, ID. Proceedings RMRS-P-61. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 145-153.