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Yvon

From: Hammel, Debbie [mailto:[email address]]
Sent: Monday, May 18, 2015 4:47 PM
To: SLINGENBERG Yvon (CAB-ARIAS CAÑETE)
Subject: New Publication: Think Wood Pellets are Green? Think Again.

Dear Mr. Slingenberg,

I am writing to provide you with the findings from a new analysis by NRDC that assesses the climate impacts of burning wood pellets to produce electricity. Our modeling shows that wood pellets made from whole trees are not a “green” source of energy as many in the industry claim.  In fact, they are as dirty as fossil fuels. 

NRDC analyzed the climate pollution from burning wood pellets to produce electricity and compared those emissions with coal and natural gas.  Our modeling shows that if the wood pellets are made of whole trees —even in relatively small proportions—they will emit carbon pollution comparable to or in excess of fossil fuels for more than five decades.

These results have significant implications for the wood pellet industry and its expansion, in particular pellet manufacturer Enviva, and its UK utility customer, Drax Power.  Enviva has not publicly disclosed the composition of its wood pellets. If Enviva’s pellets were comprised of whole trees from the modeled Southeast bottomland hardwoods – even in relatively small proportions - they would emit carbon pollution comparable to fossil fuels for decades.

Please contact NRDC’s Senior Scientist, Sami Yassa at [email address] should you have any questions.

Best Regards,


     

Debbie Hammel

Senior Resource Specialist

Natural Resources Defense Council

111 Sutter St., 20th floor

San Francisco, CA 94104

T 415.875.6156
[email address]         
NRDC.ORG

         

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