Biomass

Get a complete view of the wood biomass and wood-derived energy markets

What is biomass? Wood biomass is any timber-derived product (softwood or hardwood) that can be converted to energy through direct combustion or gasification; to solid fuel through pelletizing; or to liquid fuel through many different processes.

While wood biomass may include any part of the tree, cost is the primary consideration when choosing a source. Biomass is typically created from:
  • Manufacturing residues 
  • Non-merchantable timber harvest residuals 
  • Post-consumer wood waste 
  • Urban and agricultural wood waste
Biomass is typically created out of residues or byproduct but when higher-value end use markets are absent, biomass may even be created out of this higher grade material.


Interest in wood bioenergy is growing rapid. As governments and consumers search for sustainable and cost-effective energy alternatives, Timber-derived products used to produce biomass energy are gaining popularity for residential and commercial purposes.

Understand the state of the market, follow major players, changing policies, and potential price and demand projections to help make better business decisions.
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Latest biomass market insights

Biomass demand is growing. Sustainability, climbing energy prices and policies that promote the generation of renewable energy are reshaping the market. Keep up to date with this market in transition. We offer news on critical market developments and prices for residuals, mill costs, consumption and outputs, transportation issues and government policies.

We interviewed Thomas Meth, president and CEO of leading industrial wood pellet producer Enviva, who discusses the future headwinds and tailwinds facing the wood pellet industry

Lake States woodfiber markets depressurized during first quarter of 2023

An overview of the growth in global wood pellet capacity and the market demand around the globe with Hema Kalathingal, associate economist at Fastmarkets

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    Fastmarkets Forest Products brings together and builds on decades of expertise from RISI and Random Lengths. In order for you to stay ahead of industry trends and plan for what’s ahead, our forest products price data, forecasts, mill intelligence and reporting cover more than 3,500 grades.
    About RISI
    In March 2017, Fastmarkets announced its acquisition of RISI.

    RISI has been a leading provider of insight to the forest products industry for many decades, and is well known for its analysis, news and conferences.

    Fastmarkets has built on this foundation to bring you news, forecasts, mill intelligence and price reporting cover over 3,500 grades across the globe to inform and prepare you for the risks and opportunities ahead. Learn more here.
    About Random Lengths
    In 2018, RISI, as part of Fastmarkets, acquired Random Lengths.

    Random Lengths, still the most widely circulated and respected source of information for the wood products industry, continues to provide unbiased, consistent, and timely reports of market activity and prices, related trends, issues, and analyses. The company’s focus has traditionally been on North American markets, but as international trade in wood products has increased, we have expanded our coverage to prices and developments in overseas supplying regions. We also strive to deliver information to our customers in a timely and economical manner, utilizing modern technology. Learn more here.
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