Government renewable energy mandates (REMs) in the U.S., both federal and state, could lead to over-harvesting of forests if fully implemented, and are therefore unrealistic according to a report from RISI. The report examines proliferating woody biomass projects throughout North America and what rapid growth in this industry would mean to the preexisting markets that depend on a steady and reasonably priced source of woodfiber. The study forecasts how new and existing biomass projects affect the supply, demand, and prices for wood fiber from all sectors of the forest products industry, and provides a review of current and future uses of woodfiberrnfor energy generation and liquid biofuel production. In addition the study provides a forecast of demand for wood pellets and biomass chips from Europe and Japan, and analyzes regional development of the wood energy business in the U.S.
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