The Australian government has pledged nearly $53 million to a north Tasmanian company to upgrade its coal-fired kiln to burn wood 'waste' and used tyres for cement manufacturing. Federal Minister for Climate Change Chris Bowen claims this will help decarbonise the economy, but scientists warn that burning forest biomass generates large carbon emissions and harms forest health.
Why Forest Biomass Is Not Clean Energy
Forest biomass, including dead trees, understorey vegetation, and fallen logs, is often labelled as 'waste'. However, these materials are vital for forest ecosystems, providing habitat and storing carbon. Burning them releases carbon dioxide instantly, while regrowth takes decades to centuries to reabsorb it. This lag time exacerbates climate change.
Concrete production accounts for up to 8% of global carbon emissions. While 56% of emissions come from processing clinker, 39% come from burning fossil fuels for heat. Replacing coal with forest biomass does not solve the problem because wood contains about 50% carbon. Burning a tonne of wood releases roughly a tonne of CO2, and up to 30% of that remains in the atmosphere for 1,000 years.
Poor Climate and Forest Policy
Empirical evidence shows that burning forest biomass for concrete is poor climate policy, poor environmental policy, and a poor use of taxpayer funds. In Europe, widespread biomass burning threatens Paris Agreement targets. Australia has also committed to ending deforestation by 2030, recognising the importance of forests for carbon storage.
Other Examples in Australia
The Tasmanian plan is not isolated. Verdant Earth Industries plans to reopen the Redbank Power Station in New South Wales to burn hundreds of thousands of tonnes of 'wood waste' annually. This material likely includes trees from forest regrowth, which are essential for ecosystem integrity and threatened species habitat.
Biomass burning is often supported by native forest logging advocates facing structural issues, such as low profitability from woodchips and pulpwood. State forestry agencies struggle to get market certification for these products due to logging impacts on biodiversity.
Need for Cleaner Alternatives
Decarbonisation is important, but Australian governments must stop subsidising large-scale biomass burning. Alternatives like concentrated solar power are both renewable and clean. Cement Australia was contacted for comment but did not respond.
