Chapter 4 - Wood bioenergy

Abstract

Wood bioenergy is the energy created from the direct or indirect conversion of biomass from trees and woody shrubs. Much of the feedstock for a wood energy economy comes directly or indirectly from trees on forestland. Ownership of these forests varies drastically by country and even regionally within a country. Wood bioenergy offers a cleaner alternative when managed appropriately. It can ultimately offset excess carbon and other particulates that are contributing to global climate change. In addition to the environmental benefits of using wood bioenergy, there are a number of social, political, and economic benefits. However, there are several factors that influence the economic viability of a woody biomass to bioenergy operation. These include costs associated with growing, transporting, and storing the feedstock and costs associated with the conversion, transportation, and storage of the converted product. Also, there has been considerable research and discussion with regard to the environmental, social, and economic sustainability of woody biomass to bioenergy systems, which are complex and multifaceted.