of these pellets and their role in realizing significant GHG reductions. As a result, the province also forgoes 1.3-1.7 Mt CO2 per year (10-14 per cent of New Brunswick to-tal) in GHG reductions. The science shows that when you in-crease the demand for bioheat, you also contribute to better managed forests. In Sweden, bioenergy, largely in the form of wood, provides 37 per cent of the energy supply. Since 1990, Sweden’s bioenergy consumption has doubled and, at the same time, its standing timber volume has increased by 40 per cent. This in-crease in standing timber volume is not in spite of bioenergy, it is because of bio-energy . Bioenergy provides a market for low-grade material that permits forests to be better managed for increased productivi-ty, vigour, and health. In fact, the net an-nual increase in standing timber in Swe-den is so large it reduces national GHG emissions by 70 per cent. As the New Brunswick government updates its action plan, we hope they will take cues from countries like Sweden and see bioenergy for the massive opportunity it is. You can read our full submission to the government on our website, but in summary we have recommended that the government: 1. Develop a thermal energy (heat) strategy that includes wood pel-lets Provide consumer capital support based on GHG outcomes, not only electricity-based solutions Accelerate bioheat public pro-curement as the Government of Prince Edward Island has done Introduce renewable heat incen-tives like the highly successful program in the United Kingdom Fund a fuel switching feasibility study funding for industry like those available from Efficiency NB for switching from fossil fuels to electricity 2. 3. 4. 5. Fund a district energy feasibility study for municipalities We applaud the New Brunswick gov-ernment’s actions to date and their will-ingness to continually evaluate progress and adapt along the way. We support their call for more emphasis on renew-able energy. The magnitude of the oppor-tunity for a dramatic change in energy consumption in New Brunswick is signif-icant and generational. As the New Brunswick government’s plan reads, “climate change is a shared re-sponsibility,” and WPAC Maritime mem-bers remain ready to support their plan and deliver real, tangible benefits to the local communities we serve. Together we will shine a light on the benefits of wood pellets and drive significant environmen-tal benefits, save consumers money, cre-ate jobs and support a healthy domestic forest sector. • Gordon Murray is the executive director of the Wood Pellet Association of Canada. 6. CB_ConceptAir_Spring22_CSA.indd 1 Canadian BIOMASS 2022-04-13 10:22 AM 9
Canadian Biomass Spring 2022: Page 9
