The US Industrial Pellet Association
USIPA
Supporting renewable wood energy as a sustainable, low-carbon power source.
US Wood Pellets, Southern Forests Continue to Grow
September 16, 2024
By Taylor Fitts
US wood pellet exports have increased at a rapid pace over the past decade reaching 9.5 million metrics tons in 2023 valued at $1.75 billion. These are impressive numbers for an industry that first emerged in the mid-2000s, underlining the importance of sustainable wood pellets for the global energy transition. However, these figures also raise important questions. How is the industry’s rise impacting forests? Is it disrupting existing wood fiber markets? Can strong growth continue?
Why Wood Energy?
STRENGTHENING FORESTS
REDUCING CARBON EMISSIONS
REDUCING CARBON EMISSIONS
Renewable wood energy is sustainably-sourced from working forests throughout the Southeast US. The US forest products industry supports forest health and growth, and reduces risks of deforestation.
REDUCING CARBON EMISSIONS
REDUCING CARBON EMISSIONS
REDUCING CARBON EMISSIONS
Wood energy is a renewable replacement for fossil fuels, providing low-carbon, on-demand energy to produce power and heat. Wood energy can reduce carbon emissions up to 90% when compared to coal.
SUPPORTING RENEWABLES
REDUCING CARBON EMISSIONS
SUPPORTING RENEWABLES
Wood energy provides grid stability and back-up power, making it the perfect complement to other renewables like solar and wind. Wood energy is a critical component of any comprehensive renewables strategy.