Forestry as a renewable energy source: scoping project launched

Around #1.5 million of funding for a three year research project to examine the feasibility of short rotation forestry as a viable renewable energy source was announced today by Defra.

The project will establish a number of sites where intensive research will be carried out and operational-scale plots will be planted. The species will include both native and naturalised broadleaved trees along with other species with the potential to be used for biomass, such as eucalyptus.

The plots will be monitored to establish the environmental impacts and sustainability of short rotation forestry as a renewable energy source. Forestry Commission England will work closely with Defra to set up the project which will provide ongoing monitoring and scientific data on hydrology, carbon balance, economic viability, biodiversity, and possible environmental risks such as the impact of the project on landscape and biodiversity

Monitoring and evaluation will also be linked to the results of short rotation forestry trials in Scotland which are currently being established.