Biofuel analysis predicts growth in wood demand

While much of the focus of biofuel analysis is on food crops, cereals and grasses as sources of energy, a new study looks instead at the potential use of wood as biomass.

North American Bioenergy Review is a new piece of biofuel analysis from RISI, information provider to forestry industries worldwide.

According to the report, 19 million tonnes of wood will be needed on top of that already demanded by power generation technologies.

This is a revision to the company's 2008 analysis on the same subject - and now takes into account the subdued performance of some sectors following the recession.

"We are currently in the process of building further on this analysis in 2011 by launching a North American Bioenergy Service that will provide regular updates on key areas," says RISI director of bioenergy services Anne Rahikainen.

RISI says its Wood Biomass Markets service draws on collaboration with more than 90 per cent of global markets for forestry products and 25 years of experience.