This project started as an exploration into the utilisation of biomass for energy production, specifically the residues from forestry operations. Early in the project it became evident that energy production alone was not going to be an economically feasible option, however, there is a genuine opportunity to create value locally from the forestry resources by producing multiple products, including energy.
The report considers the available resource in each location before evaluating several options for value creation with a range of products and processing pathways. In the Douglas-Daly region a processing hub bringing together multiple industries to produce timber products, biochar and renewable electricity is proposed. Similar multi-mode production is proposed on the Tiwi Islands with resource base being the plantation and potentially small volumes of native timber.
There is vast potential in the Hub region to generate energy from forestry residues and other woody waste. This project aims to assess and build a model of the available woody mass resource in existing forestry business locations. It will determine whether it is feasible to create value from residues that are currently underutilised, and outline options for value creation. Second part of the study will determine current and future energy needs of the participating business and surrounding communities. It will determine the feasibility of replacing diesel generators as the primary energy source, outline configuration options and compare energy costs to other renewables.”
