Woody Biomass UtilizationWoody Biomass Utilization

Remarks by:Remarks by:

Federal Interagency Biomass Federal Interagency Biomass Working GroupWorking Group

Bryce Stokes & Fred Bryce Stokes & Fred DenekeDeneke (USDA)(USDA)John Stewart (DOI)John Stewart (DOI)

To:To:Society of American ForestersSociety of American Foresters

Biomass Briefing SessionBiomass Briefing Session

Washington, D.C.Washington, D.C.January 14, 2004January 14, 2004

Goal of PresentationGoal of PresentationWoody Biomass OverviewWoody Biomass Overview

WBU Policy UnderpinningsWBU Policy Underpinnings

WBU Interagency TeamWBU Interagency Team

Current Activities & InitiativesCurrent Activities & Initiatives

Keys to SuccessKeys to Success

Woody BiomassWoody Biomass

Trees & woody plants, including limbs, tops,Trees & woody plants, including limbs, tops,needles, leaves, and other woody partsneedles, leaves, and other woody parts

Grown in a forest, woodland, or rangelandGrown in a forest, woodland, or rangeland

Products of forest management, restoration,Products of forest management, restoration,& hazardous fuel reduction treatments.& hazardous fuel reduction treatments.

Woody Biomass UtilizationWoody Biomass Utilization

The harvest, sale, offer, trade, and/or use of The harvest, sale, offer, trade, and/or use of woody biomass to produce the full range of woody biomass to produce the full range of wood productswood products

Timber, engineered lumber, paper & pulpTimber, engineered lumber, paper & pulpFurniture & valueFurniture & value--added commoditiesadded commoditiesBioBio--energyenergyBioBio--fuels (ethanol, diesel)fuels (ethanol, diesel)BioBio--based products (plastics, solvents, based products (plastics, solvents,

etc.)etc.)

U.S. Energy Production OverviewU.S. Energy Production Overview

Nuclear Electric11%

Coal32%

Natural Gas31%

Petroleum17%

Renewable Energy9%

− 45% Hydroelectric

− 2% Wind

− 5% Geothermal

− 47% Biomass

− 1% Solar

72% of biomass is wood based

Total = 70.5 Quadrillion Btu Total = 6.2 Quadrillion BtuDomestic Energy Consumption = 98 Quadrillion Btu

ConversionProcesses

Forest BiomassFeedstock- Forest Residues- Hazardous Fuel

Treatments- Short Rotation

Woody Crops- Wood Waste

USESUSES

Fuels:− Renewable Diesel− Ethanol

Electricity and Heat

Biobased Products– Composites– Specialty Products– New Products– Chemicals– Traditional Products

– Manufacturing– Co-firing– Combustion– Gasification – Enzymatic Fermentation– Gas/liquid Fermentation– Acid Hydrolysis/Fermentation

The Opportunity & Potential

Biomass VisionBiomass Vision

Biomass R&D Technical Advisory Committee Biomass R&D Technical Advisory Committee (FACA)(FACA)

Vision Vision ---- share of needs to be met by biomassshare of needs to be met by biomass

By 2030, 1 billion dry tons of biomass feedstock annually By 2030, 1 billion dry tons of biomass feedstock annually are needed to reach these goals.are needed to reach these goals.

−− Sustainably delivered at 30$/dry tonSustainably delivered at 30$/dry ton

25%18%12%Chemicals (from biomass)

20%10%4%Transportation fuels (from biomass)

5%5%4%Power & Heat (industrial electricity & heat from biomass)

203020202010Sector

Forest BiomassForest BiomassApproximately 368 million dry tons can be sustainably Approximately 368 million dry tons can be sustainably produced annually produced annually (Preliminary estimates of sustainably available (Preliminary estimates of sustainably available forest resource by source )forest resource by source )

Preliminary Draft – DO NOT CITE OR QUOTE!

DRAFT! DRAFT!

89

37

106

35

60

41

0 20 40 60 80 100 120

Million dry tons per year

Forest growth

Urban wood wastes

Forest products industry wastes

Fuelwood

Fuel treatments (forestlands)

Logging & other residue

All ownerships, excludes administratively reserved areas and areas considered inoperable due to steepness, e.g.

WBU Feedstock Potential WBU Feedstock Potential (Millions of (Millions of BDTsBDTs Annually)Annually)

ElectricityElectricity::8,500 Bone Dry Tons = One Megawatt/Hour for an entire 8,500 Bone Dry Tons = One Megawatt/Hour for an entire

Year of Electricity (1 MWY)Year of Electricity (1 MWY)368 Million BDT = 43,294 MW Years368 Million BDT = 43,294 MW YearsOne Megawatt = 1000 HouseholdsOne Megawatt = 1000 Households43,294 MWY = 43.3 Million Households43,294 MWY = 43.3 Million Households

Ethanol*Ethanol*::One BDT = 80 gallons (Range 65One BDT = 80 gallons (Range 65--100 gallons)100 gallons)368 million BDT = 29.4 Billion Gallons of Ethanol per Year368 million BDT = 29.4 Billion Gallons of Ethanol per YearCurrent production is about 3.5 billion gallons per year Current production is about 3.5 billion gallons per year

(mostly corn)(mostly corn)

* Potential only, further research and technology development ne* Potential only, further research and technology development needededed

Woody Biomass Woody Biomass -- Policy & Policy & Institutional FrameworkInstitutional Framework

Biomass R&D Act of 2000Biomass R&D Act of 2000Farm Bill of 2002Farm Bill of 2002National Fire Plan & TenNational Fire Plan & Ten--Year Comprehensive Year Comprehensive StrategyStrategyPresident’s Healthy Forest InitiativePresident’s Healthy Forest InitiativeDOE/DOI/USDA MOU on Woody Biomass DOE/DOI/USDA MOU on Woody Biomass UtilizationUtilizationHealthy Forest Restoration ActHealthy Forest Restoration ActIncreasing # of State Renewable Energy Increasing # of State Renewable Energy Portfolios & Legislative InitiativesPortfolios & Legislative Initiatives

Interagency Woody Biomass Interagency Woody Biomass Utilization MOUUtilization MOU

Key Principles:Key Principles:

Include local communities, interested parties, and public in Include local communities, interested parties, and public in developing woody biomass utilization strategiesdeveloping woody biomass utilization strategies

Promote understanding of quantity and quality of woody biomass Promote understanding of quantity and quality of woody biomass available from federal lands and neighboring Tribal, State, and available from federal lands and neighboring Tribal, State, and private forests, woodlands, and rangelandsprivate forests, woodlands, and rangelands

Promote understanding that woody biomass utilization may be an Promote understanding that woody biomass utilization may be an effective tool for restoration and fuels treatment projectseffective tool for restoration and fuels treatment projects

Develop and apply the best scientific knowledge pertaining to Develop and apply the best scientific knowledge pertaining to woody biomass utilization and forest management practices for woody biomass utilization and forest management practices for reducing hazardous fuels and improving forest healthreducing hazardous fuels and improving forest health

Interagency Woody Biomass Interagency Woody Biomass Utilization MOUUtilization MOU

Key Principles (Continued):Key Principles (Continued):

Encourage sustainable development and stabilization of woody Encourage sustainable development and stabilization of woody biomass utilization marketsbiomass utilization markets

Support Tribes, as appropriate, in developing and establishing Support Tribes, as appropriate, in developing and establishing woody biomass utilization projects to create jobs, establish woody biomass utilization projects to create jobs, establish infrastructure, and support new economic opportunitiesinfrastructure, and support new economic opportunities

Explore opportunities to provide a reliable, sustainable supply Explore opportunities to provide a reliable, sustainable supply of woody biomassof woody biomass

Develop and apply meaningful measures of success in woody Develop and apply meaningful measures of success in woody biomass utilizationbiomass utilization

Interagency PrioritiesInteragency Priorities

Rehabilitation and restoration activities under the Rehabilitation and restoration activities under the National Fire PlanNational Fire PlanImplement the Healthy Forests Initiative and the Implement the Healthy Forests Initiative and the Healthy Forests Restoration Act Healthy Forests Restoration Act Sustainable utilization of small diameter material Sustainable utilization of small diameter material from biomass treatments from biomass treatments Integrate timber stand improvements and timber sale Integrate timber stand improvements and timber sale activities to help achieve reduction goalsactivities to help achieve reduction goalsDevelop viable strategic plan to decrease barriers Develop viable strategic plan to decrease barriers (supply, transportation and contracting)(supply, transportation and contracting)Science and technology implementation for biomass Science and technology implementation for biomass management, harvest, transport, & utilizationmanagement, harvest, transport, & utilization

Federal Woody Biomass Federal Woody Biomass Utilization Working GroupUtilization Working Group

Participants:Participants:•• DOEDOE•• DOI DOI –– BLM, BIA, NPSBLM, BIA, NPS•• USDA USDA –– FS, RDU, NRCS, CSREESFS, RDU, NRCS, CSREES

Others Others –– Commerce, Treasury, EPACommerce, Treasury, EPA

Interagency WBU Group RoleInteragency WBU Group Role

Implement Interdepartmental MOU Implement Interdepartmental MOU Interagency Strategies & ApproachesInteragency Strategies & ApproachesCoordinate Policy, Programs & InitiativesCoordinate Policy, Programs & InitiativesAddress Information & Technology GapsAddress Information & Technology GapsIdentify, Surmount or Mitigate BarriersIdentify, Surmount or Mitigate Barriers

Current Working Group Activities Current Working Group Activities

Providing Woody Biomass Assessment for Providing Woody Biomass Assessment for DOE Feedstock Strategic PlanDOE Feedstock Strategic PlanWestern States Biomass Availability ReportWestern States Biomass Availability ReportBiobased Products & Bioenergy R&DBiobased Products & Bioenergy R&DLife Cycle Assessment of Biomass Power Life Cycle Assessment of Biomass Power Using Forest Using Forest ThinningsThinningsLife Cycle Assessment of Wood ProductsLife Cycle Assessment of Wood ProductsNACD Woody Biomass Utilization ProjectNACD Woody Biomass Utilization ProjectTechnology & Marketing AssistanceTechnology & Marketing AssistanceGAO Woody Biomass Utilization StudyGAO Woody Biomass Utilization Study

Selected Field InitiativesSelected Field InitiativesFuels to Schools (MT & ID)Fuels to Schools (MT & ID)Darby Library Darby Library NM Collaborative Forest Restoration ProgramNM Collaborative Forest Restoration ProgramSW Sustainable Forest Partnership SW Sustainable Forest Partnership Warm Springs Tribe Biomass ProjectWarm Springs Tribe Biomass ProjectWatershed Research & Training Ctr.Watershed Research & Training Ctr.Medford Biomass ProjectMedford Biomass ProjectElk City, ID Biomass Fuels ProjectElk City, ID Biomass Fuels ProjectNez Perce, Colville, Northern Cheyenne ProjectsNez Perce, Colville, Northern Cheyenne ProjectsWhite Mountain Stewardship ContractWhite Mountain Stewardship Contract

Warm Springs ProjectWarm Springs Project

BIA awarded a grant of $196,735 for BIA awarded a grant of $196,735 for a “Due Diligence Study” for the Warm a “Due Diligence Study” for the Warm Springs Biomass Demonstration Springs Biomass Demonstration ProjectProject

Project will enhance existing biomass Project will enhance existing biomass electrical generating plant electrical generating plant

Enhanced plant will create 15 Enhanced plant will create 15 megawatts of renewable energy that megawatts of renewable energy that will create 75 living wage jobswill create 75 living wage jobs

Plant will also preserve another 135 Plant will also preserve another 135 existing jobs at Tribe’s sawmillexisting jobs at Tribe’s sawmill

Plant will utilize fuel reduction Plant will utilize fuel reduction thinningsthinnings and help make surrounding and help make surrounding forest safe from catastrophic wildfireforest safe from catastrophic wildfire

BLM Medford Forest Health ProjectBLM Medford Forest Health ProjectOnOn--Going Stress on Residual/Remnant Old GrowthGoing Stress on Residual/Remnant Old GrowthPast Harvesting Prescriptions (Note: Black Paint)Past Harvesting Prescriptions (Note: Black Paint)

Species Composition Changes (No pine in understory)Species Composition Changes (No pine in understory)

Note: Old Growth PineDense White Fir Understory

The ChallengesThe ChallengesSUPPLY SIDE ISSUESSUPPLY SIDE ISSUES

Millions of acres needing treatment Millions of acres needing treatment Treatment needs not matched to utilization facilitiesTreatment needs not matched to utilization facilitiesPredictability/Reliability of supply from public & private foresPredictability/Reliability of supply from public & private forest landst lands

DEMAND SIDE ISSUESDEMAND SIDE ISSUESMarginal economic returnsMarginal economic returnsFluctuating markets & pricesFluctuating markets & prices

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ISSUES SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ISSUES Feedstock production & management systems & technology developmeFeedstock production & management systems & technology developmentntTreatment & harvesting technology & costs Treatment & harvesting technology & costs Transportation technology & costsTransportation technology & costsNew products & usesNew products & uses

CONNECTIVITY ISSUESCONNECTIVITY ISSUESEnvironmental sustainabilityEnvironmental sustainabilityCommunity engagementCommunity engagement

INSTITUTIONAL ISSUESINSTITUTIONAL ISSUESConflicting prioritiesConflicting prioritiesOrganizational missions, cultures, policies & proceduresOrganizational missions, cultures, policies & proceduresComprehensive & coordinated strategy across agencies & all ownerComprehensive & coordinated strategy across agencies & all ownershipsshipsRecognition of WBU potentialRecognition of WBU potential

Key Elements For SuccessKey Elements For Success

1.1. Must become a reliable supplierMust become a reliable supplier2.2. Science and technology for feedstock Science and technology for feedstock

development, management, & utilizationdevelopment, management, & utilization3.3. Landscape scale biomass assessment Landscape scale biomass assessment

tools & methodologiestools & methodologies4.4. Forest planning & project implementation Forest planning & project implementation

for timing the removal of excess biomassfor timing the removal of excess biomass5.5. Technical, financial, & market assistance Technical, financial, & market assistance

to local communities, businesses & to local communities, businesses & organizationsorganizations

Integrated Biobased Products and Integrated Biobased Products and Bioenergy ApproachBioenergy Approach

Feedstock Production

&Management

Harvest&

Delivery

Utilization&

Products

DisposalBiobasedProducts

&Bioenergy

•Research & Development•Technical Assistance•Financial Assistance•Land Management•Public & Private Partnerships•Collaborative Project Planning &

Development

U.S. Energy Consumption OverviewU.S. Energy Consumption Overview

Natural Gas23%

Coal23%

Nuclear Electric8%

Petroleum40%

Renewable Energy6%

− 45% Hydroelectric

− 2% Wind

− 5% Geothermal

− 34% Wood

− 1% Solar

72% of the 47% of biomass energy is wood based

Total = 98.156 Quadrillion Btu Total = 6.2 Quadrillion Btu

− 9% Waste− 4% Alcohol Fuels