Short rotation forestry – biofuel production in harmony with environmental goals

This pilot project investigates the possibility to produce biomass equivalent to between 14 and 42 TWh per year in Sweden, through coppice and pollarding (short rotation forestry) on land that today is rarely used for energy production. Short rotation forestry in certain protected areas, deciduous forest on wetlands, urban parks and recreation areas, unused agricultural land, power line corridors, and along roads and railway lines may bring positive effects on biological diversity, which means less conflict between energy production and environmental issues. The one-year project shall elucidate the potential of short rotation forestry, and prepare for a full-scale research project, through an historical-ecological analysis, production analysis, evaluation of effects on biological diversity, system analysis, and a description of economic conditions. A group of six researchers representing a diversity of disciplines will work together with a network of scientists and end-users.

Partner organizations

• Swedish Society for Nature Conservation (Non Profit, Sweden)
• Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) (Academic, Sweden)