Economic and energy efficiency assessment of biomass harvesting at a northern off-grid community: a case study of Barren Lands First Nation at Brochet, Manitoba, Canada.

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Date
2013-12
Authors
Fennell, Kipp
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Natural Resources Institute Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth, and Resources, University of Manitoba
Abstract
This study was the first to analyze the cost and energy requirements to harvest and transport wood-biomass to an off-grid community, namely Brochet, Manitoba, for the purpose of bioenergy. The study takes the unique local conditions and circumstances of a remote northern off-grid community into consideration, including: marginal forest resources and transport over winter road networks. Analysis of the forest resources within the study area using various resources found that the wood supply for a biomass facility was adequate. Under most conditions, the combined cost to harvest and transport biomass to Brochet using a variety of systems was less expensive than the combined purchase and transport cost of diesel fuel. The analysis also found that significant employment opportunities and a reduction in carbon emissions would be realized through wood biomass production.
Description
Keywords
Biomass, northern
Citation
Fennell, K (2013). Economic and energy efficiency assessment of biomass harvesting at a northern off-grid community: a case study of Barren Lands First Nation at Brochet, Manitoba, Canada. Natural Resources Institute Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth, and Resources, University of Manitoba