An energy and economics themed thread on biomass in Deep East Texas, the part of Texas I call home.
You know electricity demand is high in Texas when the biomass plant is running!
It’s high heat rate makes it expensive to operate, so it doesn’t run that often.
You know electricity demand is high in Texas when the biomass plant is running!
It’s high heat rate makes it expensive to operate, so it doesn’t run that often.
This 100MW @SouthernCompany biomass plant runs mainly off of forestry product residue - wood that has been chipped into mulch-sized pieces. 
Wait? Biomass in Texas?!?
Contrary to most people’s belief that Texas is all desert and cowboys, the East Texas climate is subtropical humid and very green. Forestry makes up a large portion of the local economy.
Contrary to most people’s belief that Texas is all desert and cowboys, the East Texas climate is subtropical humid and very green. Forestry makes up a large portion of the local economy.
In this part of the world, you can actually farm trees. The crop has a long rotation, about 30-35 years, depending on how wet or dry the years are.
After land is cleared, about 726 seedlings (southern loblolly pines here) are planted per acre in rows 10’ wide with trees every 6’
After land is cleared, about 726 seedlings (southern loblolly pines here) are planted per acre in rows 10’ wide with trees every 6’
You can plant other species, but hardwoods like oaks, elms, pecans, etc. take 50-60 years to reach maturity.
However, these species are often planted along streams, in swampy areas, and in flood plains that are too wet for pines.
However, these species are often planted along streams, in swampy areas, and in flood plains that are too wet for pines.
After about 10 years, every third pine tree is harvested. The smallest and any that are not growing well are harvested for pulpwood, these are used to make lower quality wood products like OSB and paper.
The second harvest usually happens at 20-25 years, depending on how good growing conditions have been. In this part of the cycle, every second tree is harvested. Some trees are big enough to make dimensional lumber (2x4s, etc.) but most are likley to still be too small.
If all goes well, In 30-35 years, a mature stand will be ready for a final harvest. The trunks are made into the lumber that is used to make almost everything else we use.
The residue that is left is then gathered and burned, mulched and bagged and taken to your home and garden store, or chipped and taken to a power plant to make electricity.
No one likes to see a clear-cut, but if the project is managed right, the land will soon be replanted and growing once again.
