Current (2020) and Long-Term (2035 and 2050) Sustainable Potentials of Wood Fuel in Switzerland

Abstract

Wood fuel has become central in environmental policy and decision-making processes in cross-sectoral areas. Proper consideration of different types of woody biomass is fundamental in forming energy transition and decarbonization strategies. We quantified the development of theoretical (TPs) and sustainable (SPs) potentials of wood fuel from forests, trees outside forests, wood residues and waste wood in Switzerland for 2020, 2035 and 2050. Ecological and economic restrictions, timber market situations and drivers of future developments (area size, tree growth, wood characteristics, population growth, exporting/importing (waste wood)) were considered. We estimated a SP of wood fuel between 26.5 and 77.8 PJ/a during the three time points. Results demonstrate that the SP of wood fuel could be significantly increased already in the short term. This, as a moderate stock reduction (MSR) strategy in forests, can lead to large surpluses in SPs compared to the wood fuel already used today (~36 PJ/a), with values higher by 51% (+18.2 PJ) in 2020 and by 59% (+21.3 PJ) in 2035. To implement these surpluses (e.g., with a cascade approach), a more circular economy with sufficient processing capacities of the subsequent timber industries and the energy plants to convert the resources is required.

Definition and Classification of Potential of Forest Wood Biomass in Terms of Sustainable Development: A Review

“…This includes residues from forest-based industry, and waste (post-consumer wood) [35,65,67]. According to other classifications [17], forest biomass primary includes forest products, primary forest residues (logging residues), secondary forest residues (wood processing industry by-products and residues) and wood waste (post-consumer wood). According to Syrbe et al [66], a sustainable supply of woody biomass is possible if residues mainly from the wood processing industry are used.…”

“…It is the overall, maximum amount of forest biomass that could be harvested annually within fundamental bio-physical limits [74,75], and the maximum sustained yield of all utilisable wood throughout each region [20]. The theoretical potential of wood biomass is the upper limit of available wood biomass at a certain point in time [17]. It is emphasised that the overall biomass depends on the land available for the biomass allocated to producing biomass [79] on the forest area that is available for wood supply [71].…”

“…This potential depends on biophysical constraints, e.g., on climatic conditions, soil fertility, ecosystem health, forest management strategies [17], and also on the forest area. In addition, the theoretical potential of forest wood shows forest wood resources' contribution to Global Carbon Cycles.…”

“…Wood biomass will be needed in much larger quantities than today and, therefore, this biomass should be used sustainably. Sustainable forest management and cascade wood use (when wood is used for material production in the first place, and the residues are used for energy [16]) are two necessary prerequisites for any sustainable use of wood biomass [17]. It is necessary to improve the understanding of how the biomass potential of forest wood can be harnessed in sustainable ways [5].…”

Exploring Environmental and Economic Costs and Benefits of a Forest-Based Circular Economy: A Literature Review

“…There are also publications that attempt to identify the major challenges and main driving forces of increasing the use of forest-based biomass for energy [51] and to estimate the sustainable potential of wood fuel from forests [52]. Another group of articles estimates the production of wood-based biomass, addressing material flow analyses, or carrying out supply chain modeling.…”