Woody biomass for energy use will face rising scrutiny

Significance

There is an obvious tension between promoting forests to capture carbon and burning wood for energy. Increased demand risks unsustainable indirect changes of land use. However, modern forestry practices suggest woody biomass can be used sustainably, if forest eco-systems are well managed.

Impacts

• Although it continues to carry a green label, debate over its sustainability may damage financial flows into the biomass sector.
• The sector focus on secondary and tertiary wood sources, as well as wood industry by-products, will increase.
• Woody biomass use for heat and power will make up a key part of renewable energy generation, particularly in heavily forested countries.