Biofuels and Bioenergy

Short-rotation coppice (SRC) systems, like shrub willow (Salix spp.) and poplar (Populus spp.), are projected to supply over 200 million dry tons of biomass annually in the U.S. by 2040. Shrub willow can be grown on a wide range of sites to generate biomass for heat, power, liquid fuels and renewable bioproducts while providing additional environmental and rural development benefits. Shrub willow has many characteristics that make it anideal biomass feedstock including high yields, the ability to resprout after coppice, two to four year harvest cycles, ease of propagation from dormant stem cuttings, ease of breeding, a broad genetic base and a feedstock composition similar to other sources of woody biomass. Research on shrub willow for biomass energy and alternative applications (bioremediation, vegetative covers, treatment of organic wastes, riparian buffers, living snow fences) has been ongoing in the U.S. for over 30 years. Collaborative efforts involving both private, NGOs and public entities at the local, state and federal level have been critical to facilitating the commercialization of this system. The current expansion of willow in New York has been possible because of government incentive programs, commitment by an end user for the production of renewable power and heat, breeding and commercial scale up of improved cultivars and the development of reliable planting and harvesting systems. Deploying willow in multifunctional value-added systems provides opportunities for potential producers and end users to learn about the system and characteristics of the biomass feedstock, which will help remove barriers to deployment.