Is bioenergy just a bandwagon?
Despite the recent swell in interest and investment, even the people who make their living advocating biofuel caution against over-hyping it. Biofuel is still largely in the research and development stage, and its ability to be competitive depends on high oil prices, said Weedon. It’s also important to keep employment as well as profit in mind, said Jim Savage, the executive director of the Quesnel Community Economic Development Centre. The economy of Quesnel, B.C., depends mainly on forestry and has been particularly affected by the pine beetle. Converting wood into bioenergy employs fewer people than traditional pulp or lumber production. (CBC)Savage’s organization has been working to promote bioenergy startups in the area. But converting wood into bioenergy employs fewer people than traditional pulp or lumber production. For example, a bioenergy plant in William’s Lake to the south of Quesnel employs between 25 and 30 people. A mill processing the same amount of wood for pulp could
