Final report to the South Carolina Forestry Commission on potential for biomass energy development in South Carolina

This report quantifies the amount of forestry and agricultural biomass that is available for energy production on a sustainable basis in South Carolina. It also includes an analysis of the economic impacts of transferring out-of-state costs for coal to in-state family forest landowners and biomass processors. The economic analysis focuses on stand-alone biomass plants rather than co-firing at existing coal plants due to the magnitude of biomass that is available. In summary, the biomass resource is plentiful and the technology is available to utilize it efficiently. Keeping energy dollars in state will create jobs, improve the environment, and benefit the state and local economy. The report recommends the formation of a task force to identify strategies for encouraging the development of biomass energy production in South Carolina