Journal of Forest Economics > Vol 20 > Issue 2

Woody biomass potential for energy feedstock in United States

Lixia He, The Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Institute of Agriculture, The University of Tennessee, United States, lixiahe@gmail.com , Burton C. English, The Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Institute of Agriculture, The University of Tennessee, United States, lixiahe@gmail.com , Daniel G. De La Torre Ugarte, The Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Institute of Agriculture, The University of Tennessee, United States AND Centro de Investigación, Universidad del Pacifico, Peru, dg.delatorreugartep@up.edu.pe , Donald G. Hodges, The Department of Forestry, Wildlife, and Fisheries, Institute of Agriculture, The University of Tennessee, United States, dhodges2@utk.edu
 
Suggested Citation
Lixia He, Burton C. English, Daniel G. De La Torre Ugarte and Donald G. Hodges (2014), "Woody biomass potential for energy feedstock in United States", Journal of Forest Economics: Vol. 20: No. 2, pp 174-191. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jfe.2014.04.002

Publication Date: 0/4/2014
© 0 2014 Lixia He, Burton C. English, Daniel G. De La Torre Ugarte, Donald G. Hodges
 
Subjects
 
Keywords
JEL Codes:C02Q16Q23Q42
ResidueRound woodBioenergySupply curveNatural and planted softwoodHardwood
 

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Introduction 
Methodology 
Data 
Results 
Conclusion 

Abstract

The production reliability and relatively low costs of sustainably harvested woody biomass such as logging residue and low value roundwood could make it a significant component of the Renewable Fuel Standards portfolio. This research explored a set of woody biomass harvesting combinations of different sources and wood types using a cost minimizing linear programming model populated with disaggregated regional inventory, yield, and cost data, and projected future conventional wood demand of the United States. The model pre-satisfied conventional wood demand before harvesting roundwood as woody biomass. Findings suggest that collecting forest residue and non-merchantable (small sized) timber may provide the largest initial contribution in woody biomass supply. Regional estimations imply that not all regions have the capacity to develop bioenergy plants without using merchantable (medium sized) wood. Within a reasonable range of harvesting costs, demand for roundwood is expected to increase with higher energy production targets. Harvesting merchantable natural softwood as woody biomass has a relatively small impact on marginal supply costs. This will result in little or no disturbance to merchantable natural softwood timber management and operations if demand for woody biomass increased.

DOI:10.1016/j.jfe.2014.04.002