Primary goal
Evaluate the quality and energy potential of softwood plantation harvest residues from southeast Queensland. Assess the impact of different comminution methods (chipping or grinding) and, specifically for chipping, the effects of screening.
Key findings
- Unscreened ‘Bruks’ chips have higher moisture content and lower ash content compared to unscreened grindings, with similar net energy values.
- Screened ‘Bruks’ chips have significantly lower moisture content than unscreened chips, with similar ash content and net energy values.
- Screened ‘Bruks’ fines have a much higher ash content compared to screened chips, but moisture content and net energy values are similar.
- Operators looking to optimise biomass for energy should consider using screened chips for better moisture control and combustion efficiency, while avoiding fines with high ash content for cleaner energy production.
Progress
This project commenced in Jan 2024 and is was completed in May 2025.
Lead researchers
Project funded by
Sustainable Development Goals
This project works towards these UN Sustainable Development Goals:
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 15: Life on Land
Learn more about this project.