Energy from forest biomass in Ontario: Getting beyond the promise

Abstract

The recent decline in Ontario's forest sector has resulted in the idling or closure of many mills, creating an opportunity for forest-derived bioenergy supported by the Ontario Green Energy and Green Economy Act. Combined heat and power production from forest biomass seems to provide an optimal balance between energy supplied and employment opportunities. This option could provide Ontario with 5.3% of electricity and 1.5% of heat energy needs. The province could sustainably support up to 12 60-MW installations. Five key recommendations are advanced, including the need for a bioenergy strategy within the province, options for developing funding for this sector, and the possibility of creating a bioenergy network using existing research assets within Ontario.

Spatial Analysis of Biomass Resources within a Socio-Ecologically Heterogeneous Region: Identifying Opportunities for a Mixed Feedstock Stream

“…Shifting geographic patterns of investment in wood production and increased consumption of paperless products has left a surplus of underutilized low-quality wood, which once supported pulp and paper production, across the region's forested land-base [6,46,47]. As stands become over-stocked with lower quality and small diameter wood, high value species are starved of nutrients and sunlight.…”

“…In the area of liquid biofuels, public policy and private investment strategies are increasingly focusing on -second generation‖ or -advanced‖ production options, which tend to have greater net energy and ecological benefits compared to first generation options such as corn-based ethanol [1], and which are less disruptive to food security [2,3]. The most likely feedstock for bioenergy production, including advanced biofuels, is lignocellulosic plant material such as wood from forestry, agricultural residues, dedicated woody or herbaceous crops, and the biological components of municipal solid waste, all of which can be converted into energy or energy carriers through modern conversion technologies [4][5][6][7].…”

The NEBIE plot network: Highlights of long-term scientific studies

“…In Ontario, Canada, the intensification of silviculture is being considered to enhance fibre production (see Bell et al 2008, Bruemmer 2008) and harvesting of wood biomass is being considered in the context of bioenergy (Mabee et al 2011, Puddister et al 2011. These and other changes require new information that can be used to ensure that these modified practices fit within the context of sustainable development.…”

The economic attractiveness of Short Rotation Coppice biomass plantations for bioenergy in Northern Ontario

“…These demands may compete directly with biomass production for energy purposes (Parker et al 2000). Nevertheless, even with increased removal of biomass from the natural forest landscape, it is likely that additional sources of fibre will also be required (Mabee et al 2011). Security of feedstock supply is also an important consideration for industrial bioenergy systems (Layzell et al 2006).…”