Opportunities and challenges associated with development of wood biomass energy production in Louisiana

Wood residue produced by forest products industry has been recognized as a potential fuel that can generate energy to run the industry. A survey was done among forest products industry to get a general idea about energy produced from woody biomass created from forest industry in Louisiana, USA. The industry was classified into primary and secondary forest products industry. The study provided information regarding utilization and wastage of wood residue. Survey response rate was 25 percent. It addressed problems faced by wood residue energy development and came up with solution to solve them. When survey results were compared to previous survey, done in 1994, it clearly showed an increase in production and utilization of wood residue. One more thing worth noting was the reduction in number of secondary forest products industry. The study estimated a production 15,076,937 tons of wood residue by the forest product industry. Results showed that majority of wood being produced in the industry went un-utilized. In primary forest products industry most respondent used their residue in energy production. But in secondary sector, residue was not utilized. Residue of secondary forest product industry such as wood chips and shavings were used in various sectors. Some of them were bedding for horse farms, mulching, for erosion control in canals and as fuel in furnaces. But nearly ninety percent of residue went to landfills. By contrast, there were industries which had a great demand for wood residue as a fuel. We discovered a need for better communication between producers and utilizers. This study also produced an interactive online directory, from which industry needing wood residue can contact producers. One major reason for non-utilization of wood residue in secondary sector was due to comparatively small production that was distributed widely across the state. Cost of transportation restricted them from being a viable option. Lack of information about producers and consumers also played a role.