The Department of Energy’s 2023 Billion-Ton Report provides a detailed analysis of the potential biomass resource availability in the United States, finding that more than 1 billion tons of biomass could be sustainably produced annually in the U.S., given adequate market conditions.
This production capacity could significantly expand the current bioenergy economy, contingent upon the realization of market demand and adherence to environmental sustainability constraints.
The decarbonization of America’s transportation and industrial sectors depends on a significant increase in the production of renewable biomass for use in liquid fuel, bio-based chemicals, and other products, the DOE said in a press release. Highlights from the report include:
- The U.S. currently uses about 342 million tons of biomass, including corn grain for ethanol and wood/wood waste for heat and power, to meet roughly 5% of America’s annual energy demand
- The U.S. can triple the production of biomass, producing an estimated 60 billion gallons of low greenhouse gas liquid fuels, while still meeting the projected demand for food, feed, fiber, conventional forest products, and exports
- Currently available but unused biomass resources can add around 350 million tons of additional biomass per year above current uses and double the U.S. bioeconomy
- Biomass resources, like energy crops, in a future mature market can provide more than 400 million tons of biomass per year above current uses
- Further technological innovations could lead to evolving and emerging resources that represent additional biomass potential
- The analysis ensures sustainable outcomes by accounting for potential risks to soil, air and water quality, water availability, and the imperative to protect America’s forests and biodiversity
