The Near-Term Potential and Present Utilization of Forest Products Manufacturing Residues for Energy in Minnesota

Abstract

Diminishing raw material resources have brought about the need for the identification of alternative energy resources and increased conservation of conventional ones. This study presents a case for the increased utilization of the alternative resource, wood residues, by presenting information to facilitate their utilization as an energy source in Minnesota. A partial survey of state forest products industries and interviews with state and industry personnel were carried out to obtain quantitative and qualitative information on the supply and demand for primary and secondary manufacturing residues. Survey findings reported on 849,010 green tons of residue produced annually. Of this, 34 percent was utilized for energy generation, 37 percent found use in other applications, and 29 percent went unused. The majority of residue was produced by primary manufacturers in the northern half of the state. From information obtained from the survey, it was estimated that 414,'84 green tons are burned annually; this would be equivalent· to 3.5 trillion Btu's. With increased utilization of unused quantities toward energy generation, supplemented by additional residue supplies from new businesses, this amount could be raised to 6.4 trillion Btu's in the near term, nearly double the current production. Residue supply data were organized to give county and regional totals as well as quantities at each site. Descriptions are given of present burning installations in the state and related projects. Information from the survey was also used to describe some aspects of the state wood residue market. The high cost of transportation was of major importance in this area. Eighty percent of the residue utilized for energy generation was consumed at the site of production.