Updated 9/26/12
Washington Forest Biomass Supply Assessment & Calculator
Forest Biomass Supply Study
The “Washington Forest Biomass Assessment” was completed in March 2012 by the University of Washington with TSS Consultants1. The study examines the sustainable volume of residual forest biomass that can be collected from Washington’s working forests. The study is the first of its kind in the nation and will help ensure that Washington’s forest biomass-to-energy sector moves forward sustainably.
Washington Forest Biomass Supply Assessment
Executive Summary
Fact Sheets
Several Fact Sheets relating to different aspects of the report have been developed in an effort to make the report accessible to as many people as possible.
Forest Biomass Supply Study
Forest Biomass Supply Assessment
What does this mean for the environment?
Biomass Supply Assessment Calculator
What does this mean for economic development?
Forest Biomass Calculator
Because the supply study is a ‘snapshot’ in time, the study team was asked to develop a tool that could, based on the modeling done in the study, predict biomass availability over time, at specific locations across the state and at certain haul distances and price points. The calculator is intended to serve as a tool for those interested in siting a biomass facility in Washington State: a first stop in determining the appropriate scale and location for a proposed facility.
The calculator is available to the public and is available here.
Information on how to use the tool can be found in the User’s Manual.
Resources
The Washington Forest Biomass Supply Study utilized data from several other key pieces of biomass supply research that has been done in Washington State.
Footnote
1RFP was made public in 2010. The University of Washington was selected to conduct the research. A copy of the RFP can be found here.