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Module 5: Economics of Bioenergy and Bioproduct Production
Introduction
From an economic perspective, whether or not the United States chooses to embrace an alternative energy future or continues to rely on non-renewable fossil fuels is more or less a political or social choice. At the present time, 2008, it is clear that forest
bioenergy resources in general (except for a few special cases) cannot economically compete with fossil fuels. As a result, cost remains one of the major barriers to bioenergy development (7). However, forest bioenergy offers a variety of environmental and social benefits that can be difficult to measure in economic terms. As the prices of fossil fuels continue to rise and as incentive programs become increasingly available to account for and compensate for these environmental and social values, forest bioenergy will become increasingly more competitive. Advances in biomass production and energy conversion technologies will further cut the costs associated with bioenergy.  
     
Objectives of this Module  
The purpose of this module is to provide an understanding of the economics and policy aspects of production and utilization of woody biomass for bioenergy and to explain the impact the development of the bioenergy industry could have on rural communities in the southern United States.  
This module includes 4 units that focus on the economics of bioenergy production, from supply to cost, and then covering community impacts and biomass policy.
    Unit 1: Supply in the Southern United States
  In this unit you will find information on the sources, location, and quantity of supply, as well as, factors affecting the supply and the sustainability of the supply of woody biomass in the southern United States.
   Unit 2: Cost Competitiveness
  In this unit you will learn about the production costs of forest biomass and bioenergy and how they compare with similar products on the market.
    Unit 3: Community Impacts
  This unit includes two case studies (East Texas and Georgia) that illustrate the impact of the development of a bioenergy industry on local communities.
    Unit 4: Biomass Policy
  This brief unit will provide information on biomass incentives that are available and also provides links where you may find more information on biomass policies and incentives.
 
     
 

    After you complete all of the units, you should be able to:

 

  • Identify the Supply of Woody Biomass in the South.
  • Describe the Costs Related to Woody Biomass Production and Utilization.
  • Recognize the Potential Socioeconomic Impacts Woody Biomass Production and Utilization Could Have on Rural Communities.
 

There is a post-test at the end of this module to test what you have learned.  Additionally if you are interested in learning more about a particular term related to the economics of bioenergy and bio-based products please click on either the “glossary” tab in the upper navigational bar or the “additional materials” tab at the bottom of the left hand navigational bar.

 

Click the Next button at the bottom of this page to begin Unit 1: Properties of Woody Biomass.

 
 

 

 ©2007 National Learning Center for Private Forest and Range Landowners
"A program of the Cooperative Extension Service funded by the Renewable Resources Extension Act"
Last Updated: November 11, 2007