09/24/2025
Woody Biomass in Virginia: A Smart, Sustainable Energy Solution
What Is Woody Biomass?
Woody biomass is organic material from forest management and sawmill operations—such as tree tops, limbs, bark, sawdust, chips, and non-merchantable wood—that is used to generate heat or electricity.
It does not involve cutting down trees just for fuel. It uses existing byproducts from sustainable forestry operations and mills.
Why It Matters Now
Virginia’s energy demand—especially from data centers—is growing faster than predicted. Woody biomass provides a reliable, renewable, and local energy source that can help meet that demand.
According to the Virginia Department of Forestry’s 2024 Biomass Advisory Panel Report:
• Biomass provides dispatchable (on-demand) power
• Forests within biomass supply zones are growing more wood than is harvested
• Keeping Virginia’s biomass plants operating results in lower net carbon emissions than most alternatives
Biomass Is...
Sustainable & Renewable
• Virginia’s forests grow more wood each year than is removed
• Biomass uses material that would otherwise decay or be burned on-site
• Forestry best management practices (BMPs) are in place and enforceable
Carbon Neutral
• Biomass is part of the natural carbon cycle—unlike fossil fuels
• The carbon released is offset by forest regrowth
• Biomass offsets methane emissions from decomposing wood
Good for Forest Health
• Provides markets for thinning and low-value removals
• Helps landowners manage forests to reduce wildfire risk and improve regeneration
• Supports sustainable working forests and private ownership
Critical to Rural Economies
• Forestry is Virginia’s third-largest private sector industry
• Over 108,000 jobs are supported directly—not counting truckers, fuel suppliers, and equipment services
• Biomass markets keep loggers, landowners, and sawmills in business
• Sustains employment, health care access, and tax base in rural communities
What We Need
• Recognition of biomass as a legitimate renewable energy source
• Inclusion in Virginia’s clean energy policy portfolio
• Continued operation of existing biomass plants as part of a diverse, reliable energy mix
• Support for local markets that strengthen forest-based economies
Biomass is not the only solution—but it’s a smart, homegrown part of one.
Let’s keep it in Virginia’s energy conversation.
