You may have read about the several uses of forestry biomass — wood waste — in previous postings here, but did you know that it could be turned into aviation fuel? That’s the idea behind the announcement today by Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark that Phase Two of DNR’s Forest Biomass Initiative will include a pilot project to produce aviation biofuels from forest biomass.
The pilot project aims to find higher-value uses for wood waste left after timber harvests or lumber milling. One might be biofuels for aviation. Forest biomass is a renewable energy source, but the supply is not infinite. The University of Washington is conducting a statewide study to see just how much forest biomass can be sustainably harvested from Washington forestlands.
Some of the wood debris left after a timber harvest must stay on the ground to help regenerate the forest and provide future habitat. DNR’s Forest Biomass Initiative is looking for economically viable ways to use the rest. Given that this local, renewable energy source is limited, it will be important to put this material to the most efficient use to produce the highest value product – enter Forest Biomass Initiative Phase Two.
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