Misunderstanding hinders biomass

The use of biomass is increasing, but much too slowly. This is how Sveaskog's environmental manager Olof Johansson and business developer Jens Otterstedt assess the situation within the EU. Sveaskog has compiled a new report explaining why the process is going so slowly and what is needed to remedy the situation.

Sveaskog, Vattenfall, WWF and several other organisations recently presented a report on biofuel which drew a lot of attention from the media and politicians in Brussels. The EU has set up a goal, "20-20-20", which entails that green house gases shall be reduced by 20 per cent, and the proportion of renewable energy shall be 20 per cent by the year 2020. This is an ambitious goal, but at present progress is much too slow to meet it.

"The amount of biomass being used is increasing at a third of the rate necessary," says Olof Johansson.

Using biomass for the production of heat and electricity has many advantages over other renewable energy sources.

"Hydroelectric production cannot be expanded in any meaningful way within the EU, wind power plants cannot be built everywhere and solar energy is not yet a viable alternative. Biomass is much more usable," says Jens Otterstedt.

Why is it going so slowly?

The report lists the major reasons for the indecision surrounding biomass. The main reason is that some representatives are doubtful about the long term sustainability of the biomass solution. It is also often seen as old technology, or as a temporary solution to fill the gap before other techniques can step in. And, furthermore, the biomass solution is seen as a local issue rather than a global industry.

"The report is intended to dissolve these misunderstandings," says Olof Johansson.

He sees increase in biomass as crucial to the future and as one of the most effective ways of reducing dependency on fossil fuels.

"Consequently, it is also very important to develop a way of using it that does not cause damage to other environmental values. We have to develop criteria for when and how biomass can be extracted so that it can be done in a sustainable manner," continues Olof Johansson.

How will Sveaskog proceed?

"We are actively partaking , primarily, in the Swedish discussion. Sweden is already using 29 per cent biomass and we also have export capacity," thinks Olof Johansson.

"In the case of export, we will need to transform the biomass into a less bulky form, such as pellets. Sveaskog will also further develop the growth of production forest to increase the quantity of branches and tops for use as fuel," he continues.

"Through cooperation with others, much can be gained throughout the entire production chain, from felling to heating plant," says Olof Johansson.

"Sveaskog has a very important role to play with respect to both increasing the production of biofuel from forest and improving the efficiency of the entire biofuel process from tree stump to heating plant," concludes Jens Otterstedt.