Energy Dendromass Corridor

Spatializing willow productivity: more resolution and better estimates

2011-03-29T17:43:00.004+03:00

About erosion and recreation...

2010-11-02T17:05:00.005+02:00

This is our latest work published on erosion:

SELKIMÄKI M, MOLA-YUDEGO B. 2010. Estimating and modelling the resistance of nature to path erosion in Koli National Park, Finland. Boreal Environment Research 16. In Press.

Abstract

We studied the resistance of nature to trampling and path erosion using a case study of Koli National Park. The data are based on 201 field measurements made of paths together with digital datasets in order to identify the main factors affecting path erosion. Additionally, the resistance of different forest types to trampling was studied. Models for path erosion were constructed in order to predict the width and depth of a path. Slope of the path and the number of visitors were the two main factors explaining width and depth. The lowest resistance areas were identified in rocky site forest located on the hilltops, while the deepest paths were on moraine soils. Paths on meadows were highly resistant to trampling and the most resistance forest type was Oxalis myrtillus type. The results of this study can be applied in national park management and can be the basis for the design of measures to reduce path erosion. By mapping the most sensitive areas, the path network can be planned to be sustainable during the long term. Recreational pressure can be redirected to more resistant areas or structures such as duckboard and stairs can be built to protect the most sensitive areas. Developed models can be used for testing where to place new paths in order to minimize path erosion.

Keywords: erosion modeling, nature conservation, path erosion, tourism, vegetation resistance

Willow productivity grows!

2010-10-22T13:10:00.012+03:00

There have been substantial increments in the productivity of short rotation willow plantations in Sweden, especially on those well tended and with good management. Find the details in this new publication:

MOLA-YUDEGO B, 2010. Trends and productivity improvements from commercial willow plantations in Sweden during the period 1986–2000. Biomass and Bioenergy. doi:10.1016/j.biombioe.2010.09.004

Abstract

The production trends of commercial willow plantations for bioenergy in Southern and Central Sweden were studied for the period 1986–2000 based on harvest records of the first cutting cycle after the establishment of 1512 plantations. The trends were modelled by using a mixed model in order to include the variability of management options by the growers, which were grouped into four classes according to their performance. The spatial variability of the productivity is included using an agro-climatic index based on the official estimates of oat yields. Results of the study show average yield increments of 2.06 odt ha−1 yr−1 per decade. Areas with high productivity have significantly increased the yields of willow during the period studied, from 1.3 to 5.4 odt ha−1 yr−1. Regarding management, the best growers group shows a national average increment of 2.75 odt ha−1 yr−1 per decade, and the latest plantings reach an average of 6 odt ha−1 yr−1. This group is formed by farmers with previous experience growing willow, who tend to have significantly higher yields. In addition, experienced farmers increased their yields an average of 0.34 odt ha−1 yr−1 regardless of the group they were classified in. It is expected that future improvements of the willow varieties will result in a significant increase in the mean yields in the near future.

Keywords: Salix; Growth and yield; Bioenergy; Mixed models; Management

In the case of the best areas (using oat productivity as a proxy variable) the productivity of willow has increased significantly (see figure 6), especially if the management and tending of the plantations have been good (including proper weeding, site location and fertilization). This has been mostly due to better varieties as well as improved practices, and it seems that this trend will keep on going, although possibly not linearly.

For citing the figure: MOLA-YUDEGO B, 2010. Trends and productivity improvements from commercial willow plantations in Sweden during the period 1986–2000. Biomass and Bioenergy. doi:10.1016/j.biombioe.2010.09.004.

The blanket campaign in forest conflicts...

2010-10-14T17:12:00.003+03:00

GRITTEN D, MOLA-YUDEGO B. 2010. Blanket strategy: A response of environmental groups to the globalising forest industry. Forest Policy and Economics. doi:10.1016/j.forpol.2010.07.004.

Abstract
Globally, in recent decades, forest industry has come under increased scrutiny, often led by environmental non-government organisations (ENGOs). The present paper analyses the strategies used by the ENGOs in different forest conflicts involving forest industry. The main aim is to determine if there is a relationship between forest industries’ partners (shareholders, financiers and customers) and the location of the ENGOs campaigning against them. Fourteen forest conflicts are used as case studies, representing different geographical regions. A detailed screening of the different actors and relations was performed for each case study based on existing academic literature, publications from relevant ENGOs and companies. The results reveal a strong correlation between the location of the ENGOs involved and the companies’ financial and economic partners. We put forward, and test, a theoretical framework to explain the mechanisms used by the ENGOs to apply pressure on the companies involved in conflicts. The blanket nature of the campaigns by ENGOs illustrates that the movement has globalised in response to the global nature of the industry. The present research contributes to a better understanding of the relationship between forest industry and ENGOs, including the strategies employed by the ENGOs, and in assisting forest industry in its interactions with stakeholders, including ENGOs.

Keywords: Forestry; commons; governance; collective action

UPDATE: This paper ranked number 7 in the most downloaded research papers of January 2011 at the International Journal of the Commons.

Forest conflicts in focus

2010-08-24T12:35:00.011+03:00

The location of forest conflicts is a difficult topic. Location can be geographical, but also can refer to the sources of information where the conflict is documented. This paper analyses both locations: on the one hand the geographical patterns and hotspots, and on the other, the focus given by the academic community and the ENGOs to different conflict types. The data is based on a pool of over 300 forest conflicts documented. The full paper can be found at:

MOLA-YUDEGO B, GRITTEN D. 2010. Determining forest conflict hotspots according to academic and environmental groups. Forest Policy and Economics. doi:10.1016/j.forpol.2010.07.004

Abstract

Conflicts regarding natural resource management are ubiquitous. The present paper aims to present ways to analyse the location of forest conflicts, based on systematic screening and location of cases, and examines the focus of academic research as well as ENGOs regarding forest conflicts. A large sample of 300 identified forest conflicts are located, categorised according to conflict type and analysed using kernel associations. The results revealed a high concentration of forest conflicts (hotspots) in richly ecological regions of South-East Asia, Central Africa and several areas of South America. Additional areas in Central Europe and North America were also identified. Concerning the focus areas, there were important differences in the areas covered by the ENGOs and the academic literature, in terms of location, as well as conflict type. Although more cases are possibly needed to get more solid conclusions, the methods and results of this paper can serve as a basis of further research, in order, for example, to identify common socio-economical factors that can be linked with the conflicts.

Keywords: Kernel analysis; Forest conflict areas and types; ENGOs; Academic research; Geostatistics

It is interesting to see the focus on the analysed bioenergy conflicts. Although the research may not be covering all the forest conflicts involving bioenergy (see the paper for details), it seems that they have been to a certain point neglected by the academic community, especially if compared to the efforts made by ENGOs:

Perhaps that is giving us a clue on where to put the focus in future research...

Bioenergy in national newspapers in Finland and Sweden

2010-07-19T14:39:00.014+03:00

Abstract

The use of bioenergy has been emphasized both at European Union and national level in Finland and Sweden, and an extensive amount of research has been done on various aspects of bioenergy, in particular on different technical aspects of it. However, portrayals of bioenergy or even forestry in general, have been on focus in much smaller number of studies. The main aim of this study is to examine how bioenergy has been portrayed in domestic context by two national daily newspapers, Helsingin Sanomat in Finland and Svenska Dagbladet in Sweden, during one year time period of November 2008 through November 2009. Content analysis techniques and chi-square tests have been applied in the data analysis. Data is analyzed and presented with regard to different issue attributes (issue image, spatial and temporal issue scope, issue linkage, issue participants and sources for information), and bioenergy discourses (agri-ruralist, hedonist, utilitarian, community sustainability, nature conservation). The results show that in both Helsingin Sanomat and Svenska Dagbladet bioenergy usually has a positive image. The findings also indicate that industry has a significant role not only as an issue participant but also as a source for information on bioenergy in both of the studied newspapers. Whereas in Helsingin Sanomat utilitarian discourse was the most often used discourse being identified in every second article, in Svenska Dagbladet community sustainability discourse prevailed being used in every third article. Bioenergy was rarely discussed in the context of rural areas and rural development or innovations in these newspapers. It is suggested that the results of this study can be used for understanding the bioenergy debate in Sweden and Finland, and also for understanding what type of bioenergy related issues are considered newsworthy under the recent debates on bioenergy.

Keywords: bioenergy discourses, biofuels, energy discourses, forestry, innovations, rural development, wood energy.

Reference:
Kähkönen, Tanja. 2010. Bioenergy in national newspapers in Finland and Sweden. University of Eastern Finland, Faculty of Science and Forestry, Master’s thesis in European Forestry, 49 p.

Pellet market trends in Finland and Sweden

2010-07-15T14:17:00.014+03:00

There have been important market developments in the north of Europe concerning pellet production and trade. We explored this conditions in a preliminary working paper inside the PelleTime project. The following paper brings the latest conclusions on the topic, and expands the ideas of the working paper providing deeper analysis.

SELKIMÄKI M, MOLA-YUDEGO B, RÖSER D, PRINZ R, SIKANEN L. 2010. Present and future trends in pellet markets, raw materials, and supply logistics in Sweden and Finland. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews. doi:10.1016/j.rser.2010.06.009.

Abstract

Wood pellets have become an important fuel in heat and power production, and pellet markets are currently undergoing rapid development. In this paper, the pellet markets, raw materials and supply structures are analyzed for Sweden and Finland, based on a database of the current location and production capacity of the pellet producers, complemented with existing reports and literature. In Sweden, a total of 94 pellet plants/producers were identified, producing 1.4 million tonnes of pellets, while the domestic consumption was 1.7 million tonnes, and about 400,000 t of pellets were imported to fulfil the demand in 2007. In Finland, 24 pellet plants/producers were identified and the production was around 330,000 t while the domestic consumption was 117,000 t in 2007. In Finland, pellet market has been long time export oriented, whereas domestic consumption has been growing mainly in the small scale consumer sector, estimated 15,000 households had pellet heating systems in 2008. In the future, the increasing number of pellet users will require a reliable delivery network and good equipment for bulk pellet deliveries. Provision of new raw materials and ensuring the good quality of pellets through the whole production, delivery and handling chain will be fundamental in order to increase the use of pellets and sustain the ability to compete with other fuels.

Keywords: Pellet market; Bioenergy; Energy policy

On the right, a detail of the paper (showing figure 1), including the location of the current pellet plants in Sweden and Finland, as well as the resulting aggregated pellet capacity by regions. The map also includes the projected pellet plants. However, the recent economic crisis and its effects on the forest sector can affect the realisation of these plans.

Click on the figure to enlarge.

A final comment: This paper was published despite all the unnecessary difficulties created by the ATK-UEF.

Wood oil plant in China

2010-06-08T21:17:00.004+03:00

China has many woody oil plants, main species include Jatropha curcas of Euphorbiaceae, Pistacia chinensis of Anacardiaceae, Cornus wilsoniana of Cornaceae, Xanthoceras sorbifolia of Sapindaceae, and Camellia oleifera of Theaceae etc.

Jatropha curcas

Jatropha curcas is a plant species of genus Jatropha of family Euphorbiaceae, originated in America. The species was introduced into China 600 years ago, suitable for tropical, subtropical and low rainfall dry heat valleys on the south of latitude of 31° N, with altitude below 1,600 m, annual rainfall between 720-2600 mm and annual average temperature of 15.0-27℃. The species is now widely grown in south China, with height of 2-7 m, multiple braches, 3 seeds in each fruit, oil content of 40-60%. The species usually flowers twice a year in areas with higher temperature, and starts to flower at 3 or 4 years old. The oil of the species is an ideal raw material for bio-diesel, dry fruit production can reach 9 tons/ha, oil production is 1.5-3.0 tons/ha.

The fruit shells, leaves of Jatropha curcas contain rich compounds of Jatrophlone A, Jatrophloe B, Jatrophol, jatrophthome and their derivatives.

Xanthoceras sorbifolia

Xanthoceras sorbifolia is a deciduous tree species of Sapindaceae, with tree height up to 8 m, and DBH (diameter at breast height) up to 1 m, capsules of the species round, large and open up at mature. Trees are planted at 1 year old, start to flower next year and fruiting at the third year. At 5 years old, the proportion of fruiting trees can be up to over 95%. On slopes of barren mountains, production of fresh fruits can be more than 22,500 kg per ha, equivalent to more than 300 kg seeds, at 10 years old, seed production can be more than 10 kg per tree. The species is light preferring, drought and cold resistant, mainly grown in northeast and north China. The oil production from fruits with shells is 30%, and 65% from the pips.

Pistacia chinensis

Pistacia chinensis is a deciduous tree species of family Anacardiaceae, with height up to more than 30 m, distributed in the middle and lower reaches of Yangtze River system and north and southwest China. The oil content of seeds is about 40%, and the composition of fat acids in the oils is very similar to rapeseed oil. According to a survey conducted in 24 provinces of China: Currently, China has 133,000 ha of Pistacia chinensis resources. With a stocking density of 600 trees per ha and a production of 20 kg per tree, the annual production of bio-diesel will be about 3,000 kg per ha, close to the production of Jatropha curcas.

Cornus wilsoniana

Cornus wilsoniana, a deciduous tree species of genus Cornus of family Cornaceae, is distributed in limestone mountainous areas in Yangtze River system and southwest China, and it can also be found in areas along and on the south of Yellow River. The species start to fruit 2-3 years after planting, peak period of fruiting lasts for more than 50 years and life span of the trees can reach 200 years. Adult trees can produce 50 kg fruits per year per tree, and the highest can reach 150 kg. The oil content of a dried complete fruit is 33-36%.

Camellia oleifera

Camellia oleifera, a evergreen shrub or tree species of the family Theaceae, is distributed in 17 provinces/municipalities in China, with tree height up to 3-6 m. Trees start to fruit 3 years after planting. Peak period of fruiting starts from 6-7 years after planting. The life span of the species can be as long as over 100 years. Oil content of the seeds is over 40%, oil production can reach 0.5 tons/ha, and it can reach 0.7 tons/has for some unique varieties.

(Presented by Prof. Hou Yuanzhao at University of Joensuu, 2007)

Global Forestry Challenges in Local Context

2010-06-08T17:40:00.009+03:00

In May 17th-21st took place in Vancouver (Canada) the International Symposium on Forest Education. In the event, Javier Arévalo presented the outcomes of the course "Global Forestry Challenges in Local Context" which is part of the M.Sc. European Forestry Erasmus Mundus. The module was delivered by the School of Forest Sciences of the University of Eastern Finland (Joensuu campus) under the direction of Professor Paavo Pelkonen, and with the contributions in the organisation of Javier Arévalo, David Gritten and Blas Mola-Yudego, as well as several other researchers of the Faculty and the EDC.

The module aimed to develop the students’ understanding of the current challenges facing the forestry sector at local and global levels, as well as the fundamental relationships between global and local actions, in an innovative way, as they interacted directly with many experts on different topics.
Citation:

AREVALO J, GRITTEN D, MOLA-YUDEGO B, PELKONEN P. 2010. Global Forestry Challenges in Local Context. Poster at the International Symposium on Forest Education, Vancouver, Canada, 17-21 May.

Estimating shrub coverage

2010-05-31T21:21:00.008+03:00

The study of the coverage of shrubs in mediterranean forest is necessary in order to minimize the risk of forest fires. In addition, they can be a significant source of forest biomass for bioenergy, which can be an important added value. The estimation of its biomass is therefore important for a proper forest planning, and can be the basis for future studies in ecology, forest fires management and bioenergy. The following study has been recently published at the European Journal of Forest Research, and it aims to address some of the above mentiones issues.

COLL L, GONZÁLEZ-OLABARRIA J R, MOLA-YUDEGO B, PUKKALA T, MESSIER C. Predicting understory maximum shrubs cover using altitude and overstory basal area in different Mediterranean forests. European Journal of Forest Research.

Abstract

In some areas of the Mediterranean basin where the understory stratum represents a critical fire hazard, managing the canopy cover to control the understory shrubby vegetation is an ecological alternative to the current mechanical management techniques. In this study, we determine the relationship between the overstory basal area and the cover of the understory shrubby vegetation for different dominant canopy species (Pinaceae and Fagaceae species) along a wide altitudinal gradient in the province of Catalonia (Spain). Analyses were conducted using data from the Spanish National Forest Inventory. At the regional scale, when all stands are analysed together, a strong negative relationship between mean shrub cover and site elevation was found. Among the Pinaceae species, we found fairly good relationships between stand basal area and the maximum development of the shrub stratum for species located at intermediate elevations (Pinus nigra, Pinus sylvestris). However, at the extremes of the elevationclimatic gradient (Pinus halepensis and Pinus uncinata stands), stand basal area explained very little of the shrub cover variation probably because microsite and topographic factors override its effect. Among the Fagaceae species, a negative relationship between basal area and the maximum development of the shrub stratum was found in Quercus humilis and Fagus sylvatica dominated stands but not in Quercus ilex. This can be due to the particular canopy structure and management history of Q. ilex stands. In conclusion, our study revealed a marked effect of the tree layer composition and the environment on the relationship between the development of the understory and overstory tree structure. More fine-grained studies are needed to provide forest managers with more detailed information about the relationship between these two forest strata.

Pellet markets in northern Europe

2010-05-21T19:49:00.003+03:00

We have analysed in this recent publication the situation of pellet markets in northern Europe, including Finland, Sweden and Scotland. You can find the publication at the METLA Working Papers.

SELKIMÄKI M, PRINZ R, MOLA-YUDEGO B, RÖSER D. 2010. Pellet market, raw materials, handling and logistics in Northern Periphery. PELLETime. Working Papers of the Finnish Forest Research Institute. 157: 25 pp.

Abstract

Wood pellets have become an important fuel in heat and power production. The pellet market and supply structures are currently undergoing rapid development. Ensuring the quality of pellets through the whole production, delivery and handling chain is important in order to increase the use of pellets and sustain its ability to compete with other fuels. This study focuses on the development of the pellet market, raw materials and supply structures mainly in Sweden and Finland.

Sweden has a highly developed pellet market, where fuel taxation has promoted the use of wood pellets especially in large scale boilers of >2MW, where more than half of the pellets are combusted. There are about 120 000 households using pellet heating systems in addition to the 20 000 households using pellet stoves. Sweden is the world’s largest producer and consumer of pellets. In 2007 a total of 94 pellet plants/producers were producing 1.4 million tonnes of pellets, while at the same time the consumption was

1.7 million tonnes. In addition, about 400 000 tonnes of pellets were imported to meet domestic demand.

In Finland, pellet production has been growing steadily despite the fact that domestic consumption has remained relatively small until recently. Today there are 24 pellet plants/producers. In 2007 production was around 330 000 tonnes while the domestic consumption was 117 000 tonnes. The pellet market in Finland has long been export oriented; with 75% and 58% of production being exported in 2006 and 2007, respectively. Domestic consumption has been growing mainly in the small scale consumer sector; it is estimated that 15 000 households had pellet heating systems in 2008.

Concerning supply structures, Sweden has well established pellet distribution networks, for domestic household consumers pellets are mainly delivered in sacks (80%) directly from the plant or through extensive network of retailers while bulk deliveries are less common (20%). In Finland pellets are delivered to users mainly in bulk (71%) using pneumatic or normal trucks when the share of sack deliveries is much smaller, large sacks (25.5%) and small sacks (3.5%). In the future, the increasing number of pellet users requires an organized delivery network and good equipment for bulk pellet deliveries, currently the equipment used varies significantly.

About productivity as well...

2010-04-29T22:30:00.009+03:00

I have just received a link from the John Sviokla blog about a study on productivity. However, in this case is nothing directly related to forest, but rather linked to our performance as researchers.

The summary says that: "(i)n our work so far, we've discovered the primary difference in how (employees) do work is that they have the power to shape their work environment — which means that they can customize, upgrade, and even create new information technology to propel their productivity", and adds: "(...) Yet many firms — in their desire to save money by creating "standard" information environments — actually hamper the potential productivity of their knowledge workers. It's the knowledge work equivalent of outlawing backhoes."

I found this a very interesting idea, and it is explained in a very easy way to understand. The resulting lessons can have many applications in our every-day research. (I believe that for many researchers, although otherwise very logical, has been a constant source of frustration to deal with their e.g. IT services). You can find here the whole article.

(A final question: Is the reverse of a bit-smith a bit-neck?)

Epilog: About bit-necks

The tragedy of the standardization carried out by the IT services (aka known as ATK keskus in some circles) is that potentially creates a very vicious circle. We have to analyse in detail the situation: the idea is to reduce costs and risks by standardising the computer systems and software, so the people in charge to maintain these systems can operate faster and with a good knowledge of the situation. If the software possibilities are reduced and common for everybody, the licenses can be better negotiated for possible price reductions and the IT staff can be trained with more precision to be ready for these specific problems. The system therefore leads to a standardisation and a strong hierarchysation where the decisions are centralised in a reduced amount of people.

The objective of this structure is to provide a good and efficient service, at a reduced cost. However, we all know that many ideas that work well in the theoretical level do not necessarily have the expected consequences. That usually happens when good objectives are not followed by good mechanisms that incentive the good practices and avoid excesses. Are there mechanisms working in this scheme? Some people could argue that the interest of these small and reduced IT decision makers is to simplify their own job, so they can avoid great responsibilities and excessive work load. Therefore, is in their interest to transfer the responsibilities of maintenance to the companies that supply software or equipment. At the same time, by simplifying the options and the decision freedom of the final user, they act in a relatively safe environment where they can easily deny alternatives that would cause additional work load or risks for their teams.

The structure then leads to a progressive increment of the decision power of these IT decision makers at the expense of the final user. In addition, the fear of a security crack adds convincing arguments to the IT decision makers, that can use at any step of the negotiation with the user. The objective of “good service” for the user is the replaced for the objective of “safe and simple”.

But in research this situation is not desirable at all. At the universities and research centres, thinking and working in alternative ways is an important value that leads to advances in research. The freedom to configure alternative software options, to develop programmes, to create different computer environments are core values. All these and many more possible alternatives can not be forecasted by the minds of these reduced IT decision makers (or IT planners) and, in addition, is not in their interest to try to forecast these needs as they lack the incentives to do so. They turn reactive to the situations.

This generates frustration among researchers, as they have to deal with more bureaucracy and restrictions associated to their computer systems, which reduce their capabilities and productivity. Many researchers prefer to buy their own computers and software, which then contradicts the main idea of reducing costs. Strictly speaking, the university and the IT can show a cost reduction (as the alternative laptops and software are paid by other budgets or by the researchers themselves), but in practice, that has been a consequence of a total failure of the IT service as such. The researchers that have to deal with this bureaucracy (and that have not yet surrender to its diktat) then require more time of the IT services in order to find solutions to their needs inside the restrictive environment created by the IT services, as the researcher needs to ask for permissions (administrative rights, specific licenses…) that otherwise could have been solving by themselves. This results in a more frequent dependence of the IT services, which become overloaded and demand additional technicians and staff, which increases their weight and power inside the Faculties, and yet again suppose additional costs.

The result of this vicious dynamics is a reduction of the productivity, a reduction of the quality of the research, and a terrible increase of costs, among others, which are at the same time very difficult to quantify and evaluate. The system results in unexpected consequences.

Brazilian pine plantations

2010-04-20T17:56:00.003+03:00

The picture corresponds to Brasilian plantations of loblolly pine (Pinus Tadea) in the state of Santa Catarina, in the south of Brazil. In the next days we will work in productivity assessments of those plantations. The productivities in this region are quite significant, with annual average increments over 25 m3 / ha, reaching 30 m3 / ha and even more in some areas.

In the following weeks we will published the first results and analysis, as well as the possibilities of using them for bioernergy production

Willow productivity in Norther Europe

2010-03-31T17:50:00.008+03:00

Here there is the paper promised in Silva Fennica:

MOLA-YUDEGO, B. 2010. Regional potential yields of short rotation willow plantations on agricultural land in Northern Europe. Silva Fennica 44:(1)63–76

Abstract

The development of short rotation forestry for bioenergy requires accurate and reliable yield estimates. This paper analyses the current, expected and potential regional productivity of short rotation willow plantations for six countries in Northern Europe. The estimations for present productivity are based on empirical models, using data regarding management, and local productivity based on the regional cereal yields. The estimates of expected yield rely on the current trends of yield increase from commercial willow plantations in the region. The estimates for potential yield are based on climatic restrictions. The results show potential average yields of 9.5, 6.8, 7.9, 9.0, 9.3, and 8.0 odt ha–1 yr–1 for Denmark, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Sweden, respectively. The results of the study also show that there is a wide regional variation between the different countries. In Denmark, Finland and Sweden there is a convergence between the future forecasts and the climatic potential yields in the areas of high productivity. The Baltic countries seem to present lower estimates of present productivity, reflecting possible socio-economic restrictions, although they show a high biomass potential. The methods presented in this study can be further developed in other areas where willow cultivation is considered, and can serve as a basis for future economic considerations.

Productivity of wood energy plantations

2010-03-21T21:11:00.009+02:00

Soon there will be published the estimates of productivity for short rotation plantations for bioenergy in Northern Europe. The basis for the calculations are here. The following map shows the estimates for 2010, for optimal conditions.

The estimates are based in the results of the Swedish commercial plantations during the last 20 years, including a few thousand plots, and the extrapolated to all the Northern area. The optimal conditions refers that these projections are based using the best plantations (around 25% of all the plantations). Areas in red correspond to about 10 annual dry tonnes per ha.
It can be seen that the predictions for the Baltic countries are somehow lower that would be expected based on the climate and soil. This is because the predictions aim to also reflect the potentialities of the agricultural sector of those areas, using the current agricultural production as a proxy.
The estimates are made for provincial level, and that is why Finnish Lapland looks all the same, although the potentials for plantations are restricted to agricultural areas, mainly in the south and west.

Succesful collaboration with Canada

2010-03-15T21:53:00.004+02:00

The Forestry Chronicle has recently published a paper describing the successful collaboration between the European and Canadian Universities on Forestry education. The programme described is the EU-Canada TRANSFOR, and includes the involvement and experience of the University of Eastern Finland / Joensuu.

The TRANSFOR success story: International forestry education through exchange Forestry Chronicle 86:(1)57-62.

The program fostered internationally focused understanding of forest ecology and management, as well as economic and cultural factors, as will be required to develop effective international standards for sustainable forest management. Most student participants reported that it was a very positive experience and a high point of their education.

Where is willow planted?

2010-03-14T23:15:00.010+02:00

We have recently published a paper that studies the areas where willow has been planted in Sweden during the last 20 years. The paper is available in Biomass and Bioenergy, and this is the link:

Blas MOLA-YUDEGO and José Ramón GONZÁLEZ-OLABARRIA. 2010 Mapping the expansion and distribution of willow plantations for bioenergy in Sweden: Lessons to be learned about the spread of energy crops Biomass and Bioenergy 34:(4)442-448.

The paper analyses the spread of willow cultivation for bioenergy in Sweden, during the period 1986–2005, linked to the changes in the policies of promotion of wood-energy crops and to the local economic framework. To perform the study, a geostatistic method based on kernel analysis is applied, in order to identify the spatial grouping patterns of growers and plantations, and the areas where cultivation was successful. The analysis of the resulting figures shows that the development of an infrastructure and a market for willow chips are essential pre-conditions for the development of short rotation coppice for bioenergy. The results of this study confirm that probably the most important factor in the location of willow plantations is the existence of consumers that can guarantee a long-term demand for willow chips. The tools and methods presented, and its analysis, can provide a better understanding of the interactions between the biomass producers, the energy consumers and the different local and national actors.

Two new articles about forest growth estimation in Finland

2009-12-21T10:38:00.007+02:00

Our two new articles are now published online in Forest Ecology and Management.

The first one is about testing of traditional empirical growth models with large national forest inventory (NFI) data set with the SIMO simulation framework "Härkönen, S., Mäkinen, A., Tokola, T., Rasinmäki, J., Kalliovirta, J. Evaluation of forest growth simulators with NFI permanent sample plot data from Finland". The tested simulators included the same tree-level models that are currently used e.g. in MELA and MOTTI. The other tested simulators consisted of stand-level models and combination of tree- and stand-level ones.

The second one is "Härkönen, S., Pulkkinen, M., Duursma, R. and Mäkelä, A. Estimating annual GPP, NPP and stem growth in Finland using summary models", where a new process-based summary approach for forest growth estimation is tested with Finnish NFI data. As the approach proved to be a promising one, there will be further development and studies coming up related to this issue!

European biomass associations support non-binding sustainability criteria

2009-12-17T14:37:00.006+02:00

A group of European biomass, biogas and forestry trade associations have come out in support of non-binding criteria on sustainability for solid and gaseous biomass for heat and electricity (read more).

Protests against Biomass plant in Wales - "Biomess"

2009-12-01T10:53:00.002+02:00

Walesonline.com reports that protesters were demonstrating against a biomass power plant that opened earlier this year (which only uses local forest residues), as well as against a plant that is going through the planning processes (which will use imported chips). The protesters were apparently attempting to highlight the fallacy of importing chips from Canada and the US "“How can it be green to bring vast amounts of heavy wood by ship across the Atlantic then burn it?”

Is this a sign of things to come in the UK?

UK Government addressing supply issues?

2009-11-24T11:33:00.003+02:00

According to an article in BusinessGreen.com the UK Government is making additional funds available for helping to guarantee wood supplies for energy production. However, am not sure if it is something that has long been planned or not. Will add more as I find it.

Bionergy could cover 20 percent of the global energy needs

2009-11-19T06:11:00.003+02:00

One of the leading newspapers of Finland, Karjalainen refers (Nov. 19, page 12) to the studies of the Technology Research Centre of Finland according to which even 20 percent of the global energy consumption could be covered with bioenergy. The article is discussing about the new challenges of forest sector and presents bioenergy as one of the key alternatives in the future. The research indicates that biomass/dendromass could have a significant role in the future energy mix.

Energy Dendromass Corridor has presented similar predictions and has put emphasis on the fact that opportunities to utilize biomass are greatly varying in different countries and in different regions in the world. The calculations are mainly based on the resources of to-day. However, in the improved scenarios we should be able to take into account better the opportunities of technological, social and systeemic innovations for future land use. Education and training which are taking the very first steps even in many industrialized countries would lead to needed innovations and to better understanding and acceptance of dendromass energy.

Enough wood?

2009-11-17T10:56:00.004+02:00

Hot on the heels of recent announcements of institutions seeking funds for investing in biomass projects in the UK there have been reports in the past few days that there is insufficient biomass supplies or infrastructure to meet this potential demand.
Some energy companies are taking the line of buying forests to meet this demand / guarantee their supply (link).

Update (20th November)
Another article today about lack of resources, this one quotes Forestry Commission "According to the Forestry Commission, the growing number of planned biomass-powered plants in the UK will surge timber imports by 150 per cent, from 20 million tonnes this year to 50 million by 2015." Additionally thhe article briefly mentions potential impact on consumers of wood products (increased costs as a result of increased competition for wood products).

Can we measure the effects of energy policies?

2009-11-16T12:10:00.001+02:00

To measure the effects that specific policies have on the promotion of new technologies is quite difficult. In Sweden, during the 1980s and 1990s there were many changes in the policy framework affecting the promotion of willow cultivation for bioenergy. We have tried to measure these effects by assuming a S-shaped model to explain the adoption rates of willow by the Swedish farmers. The paper is "The effects of policy incentives in the adoption of willow short rotation coppice for bioenergy in Sweden", and has been published in Energy Policy.

In total, 56 municipalities were studied, with 891 farmers that planted willow during the period 1986–1996. The model included variables related to the subsidies applied, the taxation on fossil fuels, the development of the wood-fuel consumption by the district heating systems, and the geographical and socio-economic characteristics of the municipality. We found that there was an increment of almost 70% of farmers planting willow during the period studied when the subsidy and tax incentives and the increments of the wood-fuel capacity by the district heating system took place. The aftermatch was easier to analyse, as when the subsidies were removed in 1996, the number of new adopters was nearly zero for the next years...

Big money in biomass energy plants

2009-11-09T15:29:00.007+02:00

In an online business magazine today - just shows the level of money in biomass energy production, and this is only in the UK: "Invicta Capital Ltd., a provider of investment opportunities for private clients, Monday launched a new fund seeking GBP300 million to invest in the construction and operation of an identified portfolio of biomass combined heat and power plants in Scotland."
Full article here (and more info here, and here (regarding Scotland)).

Bioenergy - indirect emissions

2009-11-09T14:21:00.002+02:00

Interesting article in Science - with implications for use of forest residues and SRF for energy production.

Have pasted abstract and links below:

Indirect Emissions from Biofuels: How Important?

Melillo, J et al. 2009.
A global biofuels program will lead to intense pressures on land supply and can increase greenhouse gas emissions from land-use changes. Using linked economic and terrestrial biogeochemistry models, we examine direct and indirect effects of possible land-use changes from an expanded global cellulosic bioenergy program on greenhouse gas emissions over the 21st century. Our model predicts that indirect land use will be responsible for substantially more carbon loss (up to twice as much) than direct land use; however, because of predicted increases in fertilizer use, nitrous oxide emissions will be more important than carbon losses themselves in terms of warming potential. A global greenhouse gas emissions policy that protects forests and encourages best practices for nitrogen fertilizer use can dramatically reduce emissions associated with biofuels production.

Bioenergy, forest policy and climate change

2009-11-07T14:28:00.008+02:00

A few months ago, METLA held the Joensuu Forestry Networking Week (24.5.–29.5.2009). The event was organised jointly by the Finnish Forest Research Institute (Metla), the European Forest Institute (EFI) and the University of Joensuu, Faculty of Forest Sciences in co-operation with the COST Action: Expected Climate Change and Options for European Silviculture (ECHOES). The main focus was on the relations between forest policy, forest management and climate change.

Just recently, METLA has published the resulting working paper with the contributions of all participants, and EDC was well represented. You can check the contents of the report at:

ELLISON D, KOIVISTO A, MUTANEN A, MOLA B, GRITTEN D, VERKERK H, ELLINGSON L, LEWIS S, AREVALO J. 2009. Role of Forest Policy In Fighting Climate Change – Forest Policy Work Group Report. In: Karjalainen T, Lindner M, Niskanen A, Lier M. 2009. Fighting Climate Change: Adapting Forest Policy and Forest Management in Europe. Working Papers of the Finnish Forest Research Institute. 135: 84 pp

More about pellets...

2009-11-06T11:08:00.004+02:00

A good source of data concerning pellets can be found in the PelleTime project. The project is coordinated by the North Karelia University of Applied Sciences in Finland, and it is mainly addressed to provide tools to design sustainable pellet supply chains. It is mainly focused on the northern regions, and there is good information about Finland, Sweden, Iceland and Scotland.

The last symposium in Scotland analysed the role of short rotation forestry as a raw material for the pellet industry. The preliminary studies showed the current status of the wood supply in Scandinavia and the concerns about future availability of raw materials for pellets.

Pellet news!

2009-11-03T10:54:00.005+02:00

For the latest update on all things wood pellets.

One thing that struck me reading this is if Sweden is having to import pellets from Canada as its supply demands cannot be met (at a reasonable price) from within Europe, and there will be increased demand then it is likely European countries will look further and further afield for its pellets... including Brazil (just as some critics are saying)?

The host of the pellets news item also has interesting articles related to other forest product news.

Wood for energy production going same way as oil palm?

2009-10-29T10:28:00.008+02:00

A bit of an extreme statement, but with the publication of the article in the Independent (see earlier post) and then Javier's post about the vote in Argentina is it the case that there is a bit of a backlash (opposition) against use of wood biomass for energy production?
Are we ignoring this potential problem at our peril? What can we do to respond?

Addendum
State Government in Massachusetts is rethinking its support for wood biomass plants following pressure from ENGOs (link).

EU policies and documents on bioenergy and biofuels

2009-10-29T00:27:00.012+02:00

The European Union (EU) has set ambitious policy targets for the sustainable utilization of energy in Europe. The major objectives of EU energy policies are to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs); decrease energy dependency on imported fossil fuels; diversify the sources of energy supply; generate employment in agricultural and rural areas; and promote technological innovation and development in Europe. As bioenergy and biofuels have been recognized carbon-neutral and cost effective climate change mitigation option, the EU has been promoting them as alternative renewal energies to fossil fuels to reduce negative impacts on climate and increase sustainable energy security in the EU. Currently, biomass covers about two third of total consumption of renewal energy and contributing to the diversification of the EU fuel mix, consequently increasing domestic energy supplies and reducing GHGs. Although bioenergy cannot replace all fossil fuels, it can contribute significantly to achieve the EU policy targets i.e. at least a 20 percent reduction in GHGs, a 20 percent increase in renewable energy and a 20 percent increase in energy efficiency by 2020.

To know more about EU policies and related documents on bioenergy and biofuels, please click the following links

1. Bioenergy

2. Biofuels

Bioenergy and forest education at the XIII World Forestry Congress

2009-10-28T16:45:00.003+02:00

Will the development of bioenergy be good or bad for the forest sector? This question was made to the audience attending the Forest and Energy Forum during the XIII World Forestry Congress in Buenos Aires, Argentina, held from 19th to 23rd October 2009. The forum (click here for its detailed programme) gathered numerous world experts in the field and was, together with the thematic session 2.5 on Forests and Energy (click here for its detailed programme), the main venue for discussions on bioenergy.

Interestingly, the numbers of hands raised in response to the question was quite even between yes and no, with a slight majority –as appreciated by the chairman of the session- for the “no”, i.e. for those thinking that bioenergy development will be bad for forestry. Why so many “no” answers? Judging from the discussions that took place, there seemed to be the wide spread perception that plantations for energy will need a huge area and therefore will contribute to deforestation of natural forests.

The subject forestry education was also debated throughout the Congress, with a thematic session (6.4) on the last day (click here for a detailed programme). With the moderation of August Temu, there were presentations by Hosny El-Lakany, Florent Kaiser, Michael Rivoire, Nicolas Dolidon, Marta Bonilla, as well as a presentation by our group entitled “Exploring the motivation of international forestry degree students”. Also a follow-up meeting for further discussing forestry education was held, chaired by the International Partnership for Forestry Education (IPFE).

BioenergyGlossary, UBET and BioenergyWiki: web tools to learn more about bioenergy

2009-10-27T14:40:00.010+02:00

The Faculty of Forestry, Joensuu and the Faculty of International Communication, Savonlinna of the University of Joensuu has developed BIOENERGY GLOSSARY as a joint project. Due to the young field of science, the information and definitions of BIOENERGY terms are not easily available in different languages. Therefore, through iterative consultation with students, faculties and bioenrgy experts, the glossary has been prepared in Finnish, German and Russian language. The glossary consists of four sections (biogas, greenhouse effect, Short rotation farming and wood-based fuels) and each section contains 50-100 terms. You will also find the instructions for the users of the bioenergy glossary.

Similarly, FAO has published UNIFIED BIOENERGY TERMINOLOGY (UBET) in 2004. This publication examines and reviews the terminology and definitions for woodfuels and other biofuels used in FAO, and in other major databases on biomass-based energy sources. It also proposes ways to improve the methodology for the definition, classification, compilation and presentation of biofuel data and information using the UBET.

BioenergyWiki is another freely available source of information.

Click the link and increase your knowledge on bioenergy terminologies.

Green credentials of biomass for bioenergy

2009-10-26T19:18:00.004+02:00

There was an interesting article in the Independent on Sunday (UK) on 25th October questioning the "green" credentials of using biomass (plantations) for energy production. The article has a link to an ENGO (MEEA) from USA that present some seemingly compelling evidence that biomass is bad.
Will be great if others can post articles (both pro and anti) regarding the issue.

Biofuels and bioenergy: A changing climate

2009-10-25T19:10:00.002+02:00

Last August, Vancouver held the IEA multi-taks conference on biofuels and bioenergy. There were many interesting topics, especially on very fashionable topics, such biorefinery, thermochemical and biochemical technologies, and of course, short rotation plantations.

We made our small contribution by presenting our latest results on yield expectations. The abstract can be found here.

Wood-based bioenergy: Demand and supply trends in Europe

2009-10-23T11:54:00.009+03:00

The current heated discussion regarding bioenergy utilization and markets raise a number of questions regarding forest-based biomass resources and how these should and could be utilized in Europe. However, it is seldom that the discussion points out what is the actual current forest based biomass resource in Europe, or how much of this resource is already utilized in energy consumption. Information is needed not only regarding the resources but also how these resources are turned into marketable and marketed products.

We have published the book "Wood-based bioenergy: Demand and supply trends in Europe" Silva Carelica 55, 2008.p.54.

This book has been produced in order to address the above named essential questions and issues when developing biomass utilization. Ultimately, the markets direct forest based fibers to those utilization forms which are the most efficient and thus can provide the best price. The University of Joensuu has been proactive regarding these critical issues and providing courses on biomass production and biomass policy and market issues for almost a decade, long before the bioenergy boom hit Europe and Finland. This book is a result of information and material collected during the courses, related seminars and research.

Bioenergy in China: Content analysis of news articles on Chinese professional internet platforms

2009-10-23T11:27:00.006+03:00

The aim of this study is to discuss how information about the development and use of bio-energy is forwarded and disseminated to general public via the Chinese Internet. Furthermore, this study also explores in what manner the information of renewable energy policies is introduced.
A research method used in this study is content analysis. Altogether 19 energy related web platforms were found.
A thorough analysis was conducted by focusing on one of them: the www.china5e.com. The results of this study indicated that in China there is a tendency on the Internet to disseminate primarily the positive information about bio-energy with a great emphasis on its benefits. In addition, the study shows that when analyzing the content of the news articles, biogas and liquid bio-fuel will be the main bio-energy development drivers in China in the near future.

Published in: Energy Policy 37 (2009) 2300–2309

Yields from commercial short rotation willow plantations

2009-10-22T21:05:00.005+03:00

There have been many studies concerning the actual yields from short rotation willow plantations. In Europe up to now, only Sweden has developed a large enough programme based in willow biomass production for bioenergy, covering around 16 000 ha. Those are not research plots, but commercially managed plantations, and offer the first large enough sample of yields as well as a lot of information and experience about the development of such crops.

This is what we have studied in this publication "Yield models for commercial willow biomass plantations in Sweden" published last year in Biomass and Bioenergy. The most important finding has been the large effect that management practices have on the productivity. Also, we have found that cereal yields can serve as a good proxy for the prediction of willow productivity. We will continue this line of research, and any feedback is very welcome.

Facilitating resolution of forest conflicts through understanding the complexity of the relationship between forest industry and ENGOs

2009-10-20T19:22:00.004+03:00

There has been considerable focus by environmental groups (ENGOs), such as WWF and Greenpeace, and media, on the activities of forest industry both in Finland and abroad. The most recent examples of this include Stora Enso’s operations in China and Brazil as well as Metsä Botnia in Uruguay. The ENGOs often launch campaigns to get the companies to improve various aspects of their operations. The campaigns are often part of conflicts between local communities, indigenous peoples and the forestry company.

This PhD focuses on the relationship between the ENGOs and forest industry in Indonesia, including the role of UPM-Kymmene, as well as investigating areas of the Upper Lapland conflict. Both of these have received extensive coverage in Finnish and international media.

The work has covered different dimensions of the often hostile relationship including:

1. The impact of ENGO campaigns (including by Friends of the Earth Finland) on APRIL, the Indonesian pulp and paper company, as well as on its associates (including UPM-Kymmene).

2. The legitimacy of the actions of both APRIL as well as the ENGOs campaigning against the company.

3. What ENGOs are trying to achieve in their campaigns against forest industry companies such as APRIL and Metsähallitus in Upper Lapland.

These issues lead to the general finding that conflicts, regarding management of forest resources, are often deeply complex. This complexity includes the roles and strategies of the ENGOs and the different interpretations of reality that are a reflection of the interests and values of the parties concerned. This complexity often makes resolution of the conflict increasingly difficult. These findings led to the creation of a tool, Ethical Analysis, that would create an environment making solving the conflict more possible. The tool could be applied in such seemingly complex and intractable conflicts as the Upper Lapland conflict.

Click here to read the full thesis

Willow for energy in Northern Europe: securing energy, reducing CO2

2009-10-20T19:02:00.002+03:00

Energy plantations on agricultural land are getting attention in Europe. They are an additional source of wood supply for bioenergy, and an effective way to reduce CO2 emmissions. The doctoral thesis I defended at the University of Joensuu, focuses on how much biomass for energy these new crops will produce and how they can be adopted by farmers. The study is based on the analysis of two decades of experience of large scale willow plantations established in Sweden.

In general, the first plantations in the 1980s had a very poor performance, but after the introduction of better varieties and improved management, the productivity increased substantially. The research carried out also predicted yields using satellite images, and provides with projections for Finland and the Baltic countries. These show the great potential that this cultivation can have in the area. The final conclusions stress that the successful development of the sector will require the spread of know-how among farmers, development of an adequate infrastructure and favourable policies.

The current challenges will require important support to alternative crops, in order to diversify and guarantee the necessary supply to the energy sector. This research shows that willow coppice can play an important role in Northern Europe.

Find here the full version of the dissertation.

Bioenergy 2009 - Sustainable Bioenergy Business conference

2009-09-10T11:54:00.008+03:00

During September has taken place the Bioenergy conference 2009 in Jyväskylä (Finland). We presented the poster on "Partial Debarking and Covering to Promote Drying of Roundwood for Energy in Finland, Scotland and Italy" at the panel Topic 5 Fuel production, logistics and technologies.

RÖSER D, MOLA-YUDEGO B, PRINZ R, VÄÄTÄINEN K, SIKANEN L, EMER B, ERKKILÄ A. 2009. Partial Debarking and Covering to Promote Drying of Roundwood for Energy in Finland, Scotland and Italy. Poster presented at the Bioenergy 20009 conference. Jyväskylä (Finland) 31 Aug - 4 Sept, 2009.

Change in Governance as Collective Learning Process

2009-07-05T22:03:00.011+03:00

The conference was held in Nancy (France), from 21st of June 2009 to 24th of June 2009. Organized by IDDRI, the Center for Philosophy of Law, the AgroParisTech-ENGREF, and the Regional Council of Lorraine, the International Symposium "Change in Governance as Collective Learning Process".

There we presented our preliminary findings in the analysis of frequency of forest conflicts, which we hope to improve and enlarge in the next months.

MOLA-YUDEGO B, GRITTEN D. 2009. Locating the frequency and concentration of forest conflicts: preliminary results based on a systematic compilation of empirical cases. Nancy, France, 21st-24th June, 2009.

Publications

2009-03-24T17:06:00.046+02:00

Doctoral dissertations

GRITTEN D. 2009. Facilitating resolution of forest conflicts through understanding the complexity of the relationship between forest industry and environmental groups. Dissertationes Forestales, 91.[Free PDF]

MOLA-YUDEGO B. 2009. Wood biomass production potential on agricultural lands in Northern Europe – achieving the goals of energy policy. Dissertationes Forestales, 84.[Free PDF]

SCHUCK A. 2009. Perspectives and limitations of Finnish higher forestry education in a unifying Europe. Dissertationes Forestales, 78.[Free PDF]

International SCI journals

MOLA-YUDEGO B, PELKONEN P. 2011. Pulling Effects Of District Heating Plants On The Adoption And Spread Of Willow Plantations For Biomass: The Power Plant In Enköping (Sweden). Biomass and bioenergy. In Press.

GRITTEN D, and MOLA-YUDEGO B. 2011. Exploration of the relevance of geographical, environmental and socio-economic indicators regarding forest conflict types. International Forestry Review. In Press.

GONZÁLEZ-OLABARRIA J R, MOLA-YUDEGO B, PUKKALA T, PALAHÍ M. 2011. Using multi-scale spatial analysis to assess fire ignition density in Catalonia, Spain. Annals of Forest Science. In press

SELKIMÄKI M, MOLA-YUDEGO B. 2010. Estimating and modelling the resistance of nature to path erosion in Koli National Park, Finland. Boreal Environment Research 16. In Press.

MOLA-YUDEGO B. 2010. Trends and productivity improvements from commercial willow plantations in Sweden during the period 1986-2000. Biomass and Bioenergy. doi:10.1016/j.biombioe.2010.09.004.

SELKIMÄKI M, MOLA-YUDEGO B, RÖSER D, PRINZ R, SIKANEN L. 2010. Present and future trends in pellet markets, raw materials, and supply logistics in Sweden and Finland.

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews. doi:10.1016/j.rser.2010.06.009.

MOLA-YUDEGO B, GRITTEN D. 2010. Determining forest conflict hotspots according to academic and environmental groups. Forest Policy and Economics. doi:10.1016/j.forpol.2010.07.004.

COLL L, GONZÁLEZ-OLABARRIA J R, MOLA-YUDEGO B, PUKKALA T, MESSIER C. 2010. Predicting understory maximum shrubs cover using altitude and overstory basal area in different Mediterranean forests. European Journal of Forest Research. 10.1007/s10342-010-0395-y.

MOLA-YUDEGO, B. 2010. Regional potential yields of short rotation willow plantations on agricultural land in Northern Europe. Silva Fennica 44:(1)63–76.[Free PDF]

SPENCE J R, MACLEAN D A, SPIECKER H, DRUMMOND A, JAEGER D, STADLER M, CALAHAN C, KERLSSON A, KENNY A, LARSON B, MOLA-YUDEGO B, STERNER M, WÄSTERLUND D, and VALINGER E. 2010. The TRANSFOR success story: International forestry education through exchange Forestry Chronicle 86:(1)57-62

MOLA-YUDEGO B, GONZÁLEZ OLABARRIA J. 2010. Mapping the expansion and distribution of willow plantations for bioenergy in Sweden: Lessons to be learned about the spread of energy crops. Biomass and bioenergy. Biomass and Bioenergy 34:(4)442-448

HÄRKÖNEN S, MÄKINEN A, TOKOLA T, RASINMÄKI J, KALLIOVIRTA J. 2009. Evaluation of forest growth simulators with NFI permanent sample plot data from Finland Forest Ecology and Management 259: (3)573-582

HÄRKÖNEN S, PULKKINEN M, DUURSMA R and MÄKELÄ A. 2009. Estimating annual GPP, NPP and stem growth in Finland using summary models Forest Ecology and Management 259(3)524-533

MEI Q, TAHVANAINEN L, AHPONEN P, PELKONEN P. 2009. Bioenergy in China: Content analysis of news articles on Chinese professional internet platforms. Energy Policy 37: 2300–2309

MOLA-YUDEGO B, PELKONEN P. 2008. The effects of policy incentives in the adoption of willow short rotation coppice for bioenergy in Sweden. Energy Policy 36(8): 3062-3068

MOLA-YUDEGO B, ARONSSON P. 2008. Yield models for commercial willow biomass plantations in Sweden. Biomass and bioenergy 32 (9): 829-837.

GRITTEN D, KANT P. 2007. Assessing the impact of environmental campaigns against the activities of a pulp and paper company in Indonesia. International Forestry Review 9:(4)819-834.

New PhDs of the corridor

2009-02-11T22:47:00.000+02:00

Annette Schuck defended her thesis on February 20, 2009.

Blas Mola defended his thesis on April 17, 2009.

David Gritten defended his thesis in June 2009.

Welcome to EDC

2008-11-02T23:45:00.008+02:00

Energy Dendromass Corridor (EDC) is a research and education partnership of people who are innovatively interested in opportunities to utilise the productivity of woody species for fuels of sustainable development. The EDC partnership is based on the mutual understanding and respectable dialogue competence of teachers and students who have been working together in the most western third floor corridor in the Faculty of Forest Sciences in the University of Joensuu, Finland.

The core corridor accommodates 14 research scientists. Together they form the EDC network that covers numerous countries.

The aim of the EDC partnership:

to carry out innovative research and to promote life-long learning in the field of dendromass energy

to develop a multi-cultural working environment for hybridization of ideas and of scientific performance of people with different cultural background

to study bioenergy solutions which are ecologically sound, culturally respectable, economically profitable and socially fair.

The vision of the EDC:

The global village where dendromass as a source of primary energy is harvested and converted for various forms of consumable energy using relevant, advanced and sustainable technologies.