Production and Utilization of SRC Willow Biomass in Nova Scotia

Abstract

Short rotation coppice (SRC) is a promising alternative to forestry. Within Nova Scotia and across Canada, the biomass industry is heavily focused on forestry products for biomass energy generation but is significantly underdeveloped with regards to agricultural biomass; specifically, SRC willow. Research has indicated that from a growing perspective, there are few barriers; with a suitable climate to support production in a number of provinces including Nova Scotia, however, uptake has been limited. This research investigates the policy and funding landscape that would support SRC willow production in Nova Scotia and develops a model; allowing potential producers to evaluate whether there is both potential production capacity and financial viability.

This research demonstrated that, while there is biomass policy across Canada, pushing forward biomass as an energy source, there is significant variation across the provinces and only minor mention is made of agricultural biomass (SRC willow) as a potential fuel source. This is reflected in the lack of funding opportunities available for agricultural biomass, translating into a significant lack of SRC willow production both at a commercial and at a research level. Spatial analysis was conducted to assess the production capacity of short rotation coppice willow in Nova Scotia, finding capacity in the Northern areas. To assess the economic viability of SRC willow, an economic model was developed and used on Dalhousie University’s Agricultural Campus to determine the viability of them producing their own SRC willow for energy generation. The analysis found that production and use would only be viable where low land rental costs were available and high SRC willow yields could be achieved.