SRF in Wales: New Report Highlights Key Biomass Opportunities
A recent report by Forest Research, titled “SRF in Wales – Progress Report 2024,” provides valuable insights into the performance of various tree species cultivated under Short Rotation Forestry (SRF) conditions across Wales. Conducted in partnership with Natural Resources Wales (NRW), the study evaluates the growth and survival rates of both native and exotic species over nine growing seasons at three distinct trial sites: Brecon, Radnor, and Ceredigion.
Key Findings:
- Eucalyptus Shows Exceptional Growth – The two Eucalyptus species, Eucalyptus glaucescens (Tingiringi gum) and Eucalyptus gunnii (cider gum), performed best, reaching mean heights between 8.8m and 9.8m across all sites.
- Alder Varieties Offer Potential – Exotic alders, particularly red alder (Alnus rubra) and grey alder (Alnus incana), showed promising growth rates, with native common alder (Alnus glutinosa) reaching a mean height of 4.1m.
- Survival Rates and Challenges – Most species had survival rates above 70%, though site-specific challenges emerged. The Ceredigion site struggled, with complete failures in aspen (Populus tremula) and sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus), and red alder mortality was very high in one site due to Neonectria major infection and at another site probably due to unusually cold conditions in spring.
Implications for Biomass Production
These findings are particularly relevant to the biomass sector in Wales. The rapid growth rates of species like Eucalyptus and Alder suggest they could be viable feedstocks for sustainable bioenergy production, offering a fast return on investment. The report also highlights the importance of site-specific approaches, as species perform differently depending on location and conditions.
Biomass Connect Demonstrator Hubs: Reinforcing These Findings
The Biomass Connect project is actively conducting similar trials through its Demonstrator Hubs, located across the UK. These hubs are designed to assess the performance, sustainability, and efficiency of different biomass crops, including short rotation forestry species like those highlighted in the SRF report.
At the Demonstrator Hubs, species such as poplar, willow, Miscanthus, and Eucalyptus are being tested under different growing conditions. The results from these trials will provide crucial, real-world data to help validate and expand upon the findings of the Forest Research SRF study. By comparing growth rates, yield potential, and environmental resilience, Biomass Connect aims to offer practical guidance for landowners and policymakers looking to integrate biomass crops into renewable energy strategies.
Driving the Future of Sustainable Biomass in the UK
With growing emphasis on energy security and net-zero targets, biomass is playing an increasingly important role in renewable energy production. Studies like the SRF in Wales report and the ongoing research at the Biomass Connect Demonstrator Hubs will be essential in shaping policy, land use decisions, and investment in the biomass sector.
To learn more about these ongoing efforts, read more about the Biomass Connect Demonstrator Hubs or explore the full ‘SRF in Wales – Progress Report 2024’.
