Forest-based biofuels are occupying an increasingly important role in energy supply. Conversions of large sale industrial heat plants to renewables, including biomass is ensuring that local forest owners and wood harvesting operations are starting to sit up and really take notice. The market and demand are already there. It’s increasing and the economics are starting to stack up.  

Aggregating bio-fuel supplies regionally to ensure a reliable and consistent supply to these large end-users is now being grappled with. How best to extract or harvest logging residues, procedures that can be used to store, dry, handle and transport these residues or chips are also being trialled and used out in the field operationally.  

Chipping or grinding at the landing or skid site, chipping at a centralised processing site inside the forest, outside the forest or at a customer’s operation and extracting and delivering loose or bundled logging residues, all require specialised equipment.  

What’s being planned?

As part of this region’s major Residues to Revenues 2022 (R2R) event, a spotlight is being put on the opportunities opening up to forestry companies to better-utilising forest residues, bin wood, offcuts that until now have been left on landings, short length or malformed logs that won’t meet MDF, pulp-mill or chip export log specifications.

An informative 90-minute showcase (including equipment that’s being brought to the venue for display) has been set up for R2R delegates. It will cover new technologies for processing forest slash, logging residues and stump wood and will feature major equipment suppliers from around the world.

Note: Programme details and further information on the conference, exhibitions and workshops can be found on the event website.

Early Registration Bonus  

Registrations continue to pour in. Discounted early-bird registration rates along with special group rates have been set up and are still available for those attending the R2R event in Rotorua, New Zealand in person. Virtual online rates for those outside New Zealand and unable to travel into the country have also been set up. Click here for further details.