U.S. EIA predicts increased bioenergy capacity in 2018
By Erin Voegele, Biomass Magazine.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration has released the September edition of its Short-Term Energy Outlook, which includes updated forecasts for electricity production and generation capacity from wood and waste biomass.
The EIA currently predicts wood biomass will be used to generate 112,000 MWh per day of electricity this year, with that level to be maintained through 2018. Waste biomass is expected to generate 58,000 MWh per day this year, increasing to 59,000 MWh per day next year.
According to the EIA, the electric power sector is expected to have 7,414 MW of biomass power capacity at the end of this year, increasing to 7,599 MW by the end of 2018. Waste biomass capacity is expected to reach 4,211 MW by the end of this year, increasing to 4,303 MW by the end of next year. Wood biomass capacity is also expected to increase, from 3,202 MW this year to 3,296 MW next year.