Biomass

Weyerhaeuser grows and manages an abundant, renewable resource -- biomass from our sustainably managed forestlands. This biomass should be a key element of the country’s renewable energy strategies.

This biomass fuel source helps reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Weyerhaeuser produces renewable energy at our operations from biomass such as bark, wood residuals, and wood extractives from pulping. Overall at Weyerhaeuser, biomass fuels supply about 75% of the energy needs for our manufacturing facilities. In some cases, we sell this biomass-based energy to the market. We are leaders in the use of highly efficient co-generation, such as combined heat and power, which is much more efficient than stand-alone generation.

Weyerhaeuser has partnered with Chevron to form Catchlight Energy, a joint venture company focused on developing cellulosic ethanol from non-food sources. The joint venture will research and develop technology for growing and converting cellulose-based biomass into economical, low-carbon biofuels. One of the innovative avenues we are exploring is the practice of intercropping on some of our forests in the U.S. South: growing dedicated energy crops like switchgrass in between rows of trees.

Weyerhaeuser is also exploring opportunities for other materials that could be developed from renewable biomass, including carbon fibers, textiles and materials that could replace many fossil-fuel based substances.