Sources of woody biomass for energy: hydroelectric, biomass, solar potential sparking local optimism.(BIOMASS)

Energy costs are rising. Residential and commercial sectors across Northern Ontario are hurting due to the volatility of conventional fossil fuels (e.g. oil, natural gas) and electricity Industries, commercial enterprises, municipal structures, and residences utilize both energy sources to provide lighting, to power equipment and thermal energy for process heat and space heating.

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Woody biomass is widely used for self-sufficiency in energy generation throughout the Scandinavian countries. For example, of all primary energy consumed in Finland, more than 25 per cent is generated using woody biomass. Harvesting of forest-based biomass (e.g. logging wastes, stand thinning and cleaning operations, etc.) is an ever-increasing lucrative vocation that has spawned enterprise development in the private sector, providing meaningful year-round employment.

Woody biomass comes in many forms. Mill wastes (e.g. saw and sander dust, shavings), or comminuted chips from coarser mill wastes (e.g. bolts, logs, slabs), forest-based materials (e.g. defective timber, tops/branches), and woody materials delivered to landfills are all common sources of biomass.

Throughout Northern Ontario there occur mixedwood stands comprised of coniferous and deciduous species. Some species often are considered a hindrance to conventional logging. There also stands with balsam poplar, a species for which there is little or no commercial market. On wetter sites, tamarack may be abundant. All could be available for biomass fuel.

Considerable areas of fire-origin trembling aspen and Jack pine that have stagnated due to over-density occur throughout the region. These productive sites should be clearcut, and appropriate regeneration options exercised to keep areas in a productive category Considerable volumes of biomass could, therefore, be available for fuel purposes.

For aspen poplar, however, it is silviculturally prudent to attempt to increase growth rates and improve stem quality on rich sites. Pre-commercial thinning would allow residuals to utilize more of the nutrients from the site and consequently increase growth rates. Upwards of 50 per cent of the stems in mid-rotation aspen poplar stands could be removed for biomass fuel.

Wildfire destroys much forest each year in Northern Ontario. Most often coniferous stands are burned. Due to the possibility of char on stems, sawmills and especially pulpmills, are reluctant to take fire killed timber as furnish for their processes. Fire-killed timber, however is ideal for biomass fuel.

In areas with shallow soils, or in narrow reserves along waterways, wind-throw may be prevalent. Wind-throw can cover small to very large areas. If the timber in these situations is not harvested within the first two years after the occurrence, insect damage to the boles will render them undesirable for industrial use, but be suitable for biomass fuel.

Tree mortality or wind-throw can be a symptom of disease. Trembling aspen and white birch are prone to disease resulting in deterioration and death. The removal of only insect-killed or diseased trees may not be cost effective from a biomass harvesting standpoint unless whole areas have been affected.

In Ontario there is a push for industrial energy self-sufficiency using bio-fuels. This should not be just for the industrial sector. Communities and municipalities can make effective use of biomass-fueled energy production, especially for district heating. This "Green Energy" (electrical and/or thermal) and associated infrastructure would be long-term investments for a community. Harvesting of forest biomass would be an effective way to create continuing employment opportunities - a very important consideration for many northern communities. Energy dollars, exported with the purchase of fossil fuels, would be kept within the region for local benefit. There are adequate amounts of woody biomass within reasonable transportation distance of any community in the North. Innovative, economically feasible ways to harvest the materials can be devised or imported from countries where technologies have been proven.

QUOTE

"Getting off oil is great for the economy and the environment ... the goal," he said, "is to make Northern Ontario look like Northern Europe."

By V.F.HAAVISTO

For Northern Ontario Business