DOE releases new Billion Ton Report

At ABLC, the U.S. Department of Energy released the 2024 Billion-Ton Report, which shows that the U.S. could sustainably triple its production of biomass to more than 1 billion tons per year. 

The U.S. can triple the production of biomass, producing an estimated 60 billion gallons of low greenhouse gas liquid fuels, while still meeting the projected demand for food, feed, fiber, conventional forest products, and exports. One billion tons of biomass could satisfy over 100% of the projected demand for airplane fuel in the country, allowing the U.S. to fully decarbonize the aviation industry with sustainable aviation fuel.

The report—the fourth in a series of assessments of potential biomass resources in the United States—finds that the U.S. currently uses about 342 million tons of biomass, including corn grain for ethanol and wood/wood waste for heat and power, to meet roughly 5% of America’s annual energy demand. Currently available but unused biomass resources can add around 350 million tons of additional biomass per year above current uses and double the U.S. bioeconomy Biomass resources, like energy crops, in a future mature market can provide more than 400 million tons of biomass per year above current uses. 

The analysis ensures sustainable outcomes by accounting for potential risks to soil, air and water quality, water availability, and the imperative to protect America’s forests and biodiversity. Read the related publication.