Woody Biomass Mobilization for Bioenergy in a Constrained Landscape: A Case Study from Cold Lake First Nations in Alberta, Canada

Abstract

Wood-based bioenergy systems developed and managed by Indigenous communities can improve their ability to thrive and grow economically and socially and improve their resource-based decision-making processes. In this study, we collaborated with Cold Lake First Nations (CLFN), a community located in Northern Alberta, Canada, to investigate the opportunities and challenges of biomass mobilization from different feedstocks. Based on remote sensing and ground data, harvest residue and fire residue feedstocks were identified within the boundaries of the community and inside a radius of 200 km at 18 and 39 oven-dry metric tonnes (odt)/ha, respectively. CLFN also received woody biomass from local oil and gas producers that operate in their traditional territory, which is estimated at 19,000 odt/year. Despite being abundant, the woody biomass is difficult to access due to the extensive human footprint that surrounds the area and constrains the landscape. In terms of greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation, the potential also appears limited because the community has access to natural gas at a competitive and stable price, unlike off-grid communities. In terms of cost savings, the low oil and gas prices make the biomass resources (pellets) less competitive to utilize than the natural gas that is available in the community.

De-Risking Wood-Based Bioenergy Development in Remote and Indigenous Communities in Canada

“…However, the community is currently investigating the potential of using biomass delivered by energy companies operating on their land and having a willow plantation double as a wastewater treatment strategy, and a biomass source. The population of this community is greater than 875 spread over four reserves, with an annual energy demand of 5510 MWh/year [29,33].…”

“…In Cold Lake First Nations, which is the only community connected to the grid, the current cost of electricity produced from natural gas is $21.25/GJ and a combined heat and power (CHP) system utilizing salvaged wood supplied by the oil and gas industry is estimated to cost between $27/GJ to $50/GJ [33] (all costs are in CAD$).…”

Harvesting Local Energy: A Case Study of Community-Led Bioenergy Development in Galena, Alaska

“…In terms of bioenergy success stories, there are even fewer examples. In an Indigenousfocused study, Mansuy et al [45] examine the feasibility in an urbanized First Nation region in Northern Alberta and find that bioenergy is not cost-competitive. In terms of understanding non-technical aspects, Vandever [46] find that in Fort Yukon, Alaska, the main motivation to move away from diesel-based generation is because of the high cost of diesel, rather than minimizing the greenhouse gas (GHG) footprint of fossil fuel use.…”