This post includes data from the August/September edition of Wood Bioenergy US (WBUS). 

In June 2012, Forisk posted data related to the rate of and reasons for bioenergy project failures since 2010.  At the time, more projects in the U.S. had been canceled or shut down than had advanced through our basic viability screening.  As review of the data as of September 2013 finds, nation-wide, this trend continuing.

Since September 2012, 31 projects have been shut down or canceled. Most of these (14) were electricity projects that were canceled due to difficulties obtaining financing and/or power purchase agreements primarily. Other reasons included reduced demand for electricity and strict state requirements for renewable energy efficiency.

The number of operating projects has grown since September 2012, as well. Most of the 19 projects that began operating since last fall are pellet projects (7), and most of these projects are exporting pellets for industrial use overseas. Other projects include liquid fuel demonstration plants (KiOR, INEOS Bio, and ZeaChem) and electricity plants (Rollcast, ReEnergy, and Dominion Altavista).

WBUS Market Update:  As of September 2013, WBUS counts 464 announced and operating wood bioenergy projects in the U.S. with total, potential wood use of 129.3 million tons per year by 2023.  Based on Forisk analysis, 298 projects representing potential wood use of 79.4 million tons per year pass basic viability screening.  To download the free WBUS summary, click here.