Interest in wood-based bioenergy and pelletization is growing in Ontario, and the province is taking steps to encourage these new technologies. A survey of eastern Ontario sawmills was conducted to assess residue production and availability for bioenergy and pellet applications. Approximately 259 000 oven dry tonnes of sawmill residues are produced annually in eastern Ontario, but most of this fibre is absorbed by existing markets and would not be available for bioenergy or pellet initiatives. However, another source of wood fibre exists that is both abundant and unutilized: traditional pulpwood. While establishment costs of bioenergy and pellet facilities are high, pulpwood is locally available in large quantities. Given the right incentives, bioenergy and pelletization could provide alternative energy sources and support the forest industry and rural economy.

sawmill residue, wood biomass, bioenergy, pellets, eastern Ontario