OSU study shows downside of biomass power generation

The Register-Guard
By Eric Mortenson
The Oregonian
Published: (Monday, Oct 24, 2011 05:02AM) Today

PORTLAND — Oregon’s blue-sky thinking on alternative energy envisions the state’s forests as a terrific source of biomass. Woody debris from thinning, brush clearing and removing dead trees could generate electricity, heat manufacturing plants and be turned into biofuels.

Better yet, the thinking goes, such work could restore forest health and provide jobs in rural communities in addition to helping the state meet its renewable energy goals. The Oregon Forest Resources Institute calls it the “woody biomass triple win.”

Researchers at Oregon State University rain on that notion.

In a four-year study OSU describes as the largest and most comprehensive to date, researchers say managing the forests for biofuel production will increase carbon dioxide emissions from the forests by at least 14 percent.

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