NC Woody Biomass
“Nature’s renewable energy!”
http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/fore
stry/biomass.html
Extension Forestry
Campus Box 8008
NC State University
Raleigh, NC 27695-8008
The North Carolina Biomass Roadmap:
Recommendations for Fossil Fuel Displacement through
Biomass Utilization1
The North Carolina Biomass Council developed this Roadmap at the
request of the State Energy Office to be used as a tool to assist
stakeholders in planning North Carolina’s future biomass utilization.
The Roadmap represents the collective assessment and expertise of the
North Carolina Biomass Council and is a result of numerous facilitated
discussions.
For the purposes of this Roadmap, biomass is defined as “any organic
matter that is available on a renewable or recurring basis, including
agricultural crops and trees, wood and wood wastes and residues, plants
(including aquatic plants), grasses, residues, fibers, animal wastes, and
segregated municipal waste…” Biomass can be converted into
biopower, biofuels and bioproducts through chemical and biological
means or can be used to generate heat and/or electricity through direct
combustion, co-firing, gasification, and pyrolysis. Figure 1 outlines the
dynamic nature of biomass utilization.
Energy use in North Carolina
In 2002, North Carolina consumed an estimated 2,633.8 trillion British
Thermal Units (BTUs) of energy, ranking twelfth nationally in energy
consumption. Notice from Figure 2 that petroleum is the largest energy
source consumed at 37%, requiring the state to import 12.1 million
gallons of gasoline and 4.1 million gallons of diesel fuel per day. Also
note that North Carolina already meets 4% of its energy needs using
biomass, ranking eighth nationwide in biomass utilization.2
Figure 1: Avenues for Biomass Utilization
2
Figure 2: NC Energy Consumption in 20023
Figure 3 shows that energy consumption in
North Carolina has increased exponentially
and most expect that it will continue to do
so. The Integrated Resource Plan (IRP)
developed by the North Carolina Utilities
Commission predicts that electricity
consumption will increase an average of
1.8% per year over the next 10
years.4The Energy Information Agency
(EIA) predicts that national consumption of
liquid fuels and other petroleum products
will grow around 1% per year.5
Trillion BTUs
Figure 3: Past Energy Growth by Source6
Potential Biomass Resources in
North Carolina
North Carolina has an abundance of
untapped biomass resources that are
distributed across the state. Currently, our
national bioenergy policies support the
resources typical of Midwestern states, but
North Carolina has a very different mix of
existing crops and potential biomass
resources.
North Carolina has a significant amount
of lignocellulosic biomass (plant fibers
containing lignin and cellulose) that
could be utilized. Since North Carolina is
unique in its feedstock supply, it requires a
distinct approach to make use of these
resources. Table 1 lists the distribution of
North Carolina’s annual biomass resources
according to their available energy content
for their most likely energy conversion.
Some of these resources are currently being
used in alternate markets, but could be
utilized for energy without significant
impact in North Carolina.
Table 1: Potential Biomass Resources
3
To put this annual supply of resources into
perspective, Figure 4 illustrates the biomass
supply in relation to North Carolina’s
current energy consumption. As can be seen
from this chart, North Carolina could
meet an additional 10% of its current
energy needs using these biomass
resources.
Combined with the current biomass energy
production, North Carolina could decrease
its current dependence on fossil fuels by a
total of 14%. Furthermore, as new,
dedicated, energy crops such as canola,
hulless barley, industrial sweet potato,
switchgrass, and hybrid poplar are grown,
this percentage could increase.
Figure 4: Potential North Carolina Energy
Consumption (% BTUs).
Total Energy Consumption = 2,634 trillion BTUs
6%
1% 3%
86%
4%
Forest Resources
Agricultural Resources
"Waste" Resources
Fossil Fuel Needs
Exis<ng Biomass U<liza<on
Bioproducts Development
Some of the world’s largest and most
powerful chemical, energy, and food-processing
companies (such as: DuPont,
BP, Archer Daniels Midland and Cargill)
have begun to form joint ventures focusing
on bioproducts. For example, DuPont has
located a plant in Kinston that produces one
of its newest and most versatile bio-based
polymers, Serona, which is used in the
production of carpeting, clothing, and in
automotive and industrial components.
Smaller North Carolina manufacturers have
also proven adept at making the transition
to bioproducts. For example:
• Hickory Springs Manufacturing
Company in Hickory uses a soy-based
polyol, in place ofpolyurethane, in the
manufacture of its Preserve foam
product.
• Twin City Knitting Company in Conover
incorporates a corn-based fiber, Ingeo, in
producing some of its socks. However,
all of these rely on raw materials derived
from food crops grown outside of North
Carolina.
Targets for Biomass Utilization
and Fossil Fuel Displacement
Biofuels Target: “10 in 10”
North Carolina should displace 10% of
its gasoline and diesel fuel
consumption by 2017 using in-state
biomass resources while incorporating
energy efficiency measures (i.e.
increased fuel efficiency).
It is possible for North Carolina to
provide 10% of its current gasoline and
diesel consumption using existing
resources.
4
Biopower Target: “7 by 17”
North Carolina should displace 7%
of its predicted power consumption
by 2017 using its available biomass
resources while incorporating energy
efficiency measures.
The December 2006 document,
Analysis of a Renewable Portfolio
Standard for the State of North
Carolina shows this to be practical if
North Carolina uses its existing
resources and reduces its power
demand by 14% through energy
efficiency by 20177.
This target will most likely be
achieved in conjunction with a 10%
Renewable Portfolio Standard in
North Carolina that includes energy
efficiency for 25% of its RPS.
Bioproducts Target: “Leader in
Bioproducts Research and Development”
North Carolina should become a
leader in bioproducts research and
development by 2017.
Universities, community colleges
and businesses have initiated
research and development in
biotechnology which positions North
Carolina as a potential national
leader in bioproducts R&D.
1 This publication is adapted from the Abridged Version of the North Carolina Biomass Roadmap, published
September 2007, as a cooperative effort between the North Carolina Biomass Council, the State Energy Office,
and the North Carolina Solar Center at NC State University. The original abridged and unabridged versions of
the North Carolina Biomass Roadmap are available online at: www.engr.ncsu.edu/ncsc/bioenergy
2Energy Information Administration. Petroleum Profile: North Carolina. November 2006.
http://tonto.eia.doe.gov/oog/info/state/nc.html
3North Carolina State Energy Plan. State Energy Office and ASU Energy Center. January 2005.
4NC Utilities Commission. Annual Report of the NC Utilities Commission Regarding Long Range Needs for
Expansion of Electric Generation Facilities for Service in North Carolina. Nov 2006.
http://www.ncuc.commerce.state.nc.us/reports/lr2006.pdf
5Energy Information Administration. Annual Energy Outlook: 2007. November 2006.
http://www.eia.doe.gov/oiaf/aeo/aeoref_tab.html
6North Carolina State Energy Plan. State Energy Office and ASU Energy Center. January 2005.
7Analysis of a Renewable Portfolio Standard for the State of North Carolina, produced by La Capra Associates,
LLC in December of 2006.
www.ces.ncsu.edu/forestry/biomass.html
Published by North Carolina Cooperative Extension
Distributed in furtherance of the acts of Congress of May 8 and June 30, 1914. North Carolina State University and North Carolina A&T State University commit themselves
to positive action to secure equal opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, religion, sex, age, veteran status or disability. In addition, the two Universities
welcome all persons without regard to sexual orientation. North Carolina State University, North Carolina A&T State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local
governments cooperating.
copies of this public document were printed at a cost of or per copy.
Prepared by
Primary Author:
Ben Rich, North Carolina Solar Center*
Major Contributors/Editors:
Kurt Creamer, North Carolina Solar Center
Bill Schy, North Carolina Biotechnology Center
Roadmap Facilitator:
Judy Kincaid, Sage Collaboration
*Created in 1988, The North Carolina Solar Center is part of the N.C. State University College of Engineering
that works with state government and the renewable energy industry. It serves as a clearinghouse for
information, provides technical assistance, education, outreach, and training.
WB-0002/2008
State Publications Collection
