Hybrid aspen and poplar can enhance Sweden's supply of renewable energy
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By 2020, half of all energy in Sweden will come from renewable resources since carbon dioxide emissions must be reduced. A new report from the Forestry Research and SLU made on behalf of the Swedish Energy Agency focus on fast growing trees. Higher production, shorter orbital period, higher ROI and better diversification of risk compared to traditional forestry suggest a greater emphasis on poplar and hybrid aspen.
The biological potential is great, but the investigation also points to two major obstacles to an increase in the fast-growing tree species in Sweden. In some cases a lack of knowledge. To improve knowledge about the cultivation of poplar and hybrid aspen suggests investigation includeding an initiative on the processing that will provide better access to quality planting materials, development of plant cultivation and stock-up, new techniques for harvesting and transport, as well as new ways to manage the fast-growing forests.
Another obstacle is the knowledge that already exists on the field of fast-growing forests is not well known among farmers and foresters. We know quite well how farming should be designed and managed for the benefit of biodiversity and natural environment, but we lack the structures for the knowledge to influence decision-making and planning at various agencies.
The Forestry Research and SLU to start training to increase awareness of hybrid aspen and poplar says Lars Rytter in a pressrelease. The best varieties of hybrid aspen and poplar produces 20 cubic meters of wood per hectare per year which is considerably more than the best tree varieties in Sweden.
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