Woody biomass is solid, organic material that comes from trees. Project manager and WSP work group manager for sustainable land Aimee Dawson says the project will involve a detailed analysis of both short and long rotation forestry.
The project will focus on gaining a better understanding of the environmental impact of woody biomass production and its use for bioenergy, as well as establishing a baseline for optimising the sustainable production and use of woody biomass in decarbonising New Zealand’s energy-related emissions.
It's expected to produce important insights into how woody biomass could be integrated into Aotearoa New Zealand’s energy landscape, especially for large industries that rely on coal-based boilers.
“This is an exciting opportunity to explore sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels,” says Aimee. “Woody biomass could provide a key solution to reducing carbon emissions.”
The project will unfold in three stages, starting with a lifecycle assessment of woody biomass to understand its environmental impact from cradle to grave. This will examine everything from the felling of trees to their transport and processing for bioenergy. The second stage will compare the use of woody biomass for different energy end use applications - looking at when it might be the better option and when other options, such as electrification, make better sense. The third stage will explore international economic and policy drivers to support adoption of woody biomass for bioenergy applications.
EECA GM Insights Data and Communication Megan Hurnard says as New Zealand continues to move towards secure, affordable and sustainable energy solutions, the project will play a crucial role in helping shape the future of bioenergy, providing valuable insights to guide industry practices.
“Through our Regional Energy Transition Accelerator programme, we’ve gained deep insights into the potential for woody biomass for New Zealand businesses right along the supply chain. WSP has strong experience in environmental lifecycle assessments and a track record of delivering complex projects, and we’re looking forward to working collaboratively with them, and the sector, to bring this project to life.”
Twenty experts from diverse backgrounds at WSP NZ and WSP USA, including forestry, energy, sustainable land, and policy, will be brought together to work on the project.
The work is set to be completed by January 2026, with a public webinar scheduled afterwards to present the findings.
