Wildfire fuel-reduction biomass for remote energy: Small-scale combined heat and power feasibility and strategic implications for British Columbia's bioeconomy

Wildfire fuel-reduction treatments in British Columbia (BC) generate large volumes of underutilized biomass. This study assesses the technical suitability and supply chain economics of using biomass from thinning and surface fuel reduction for small-scale combined heat and power (CHP) systems. Biomass availability, including non-delimbed and delimbed energy wood, residues, and surface woody debris, was evaluated in a 12-ha forest stand in the interior of BC, Canada. Woodchip quality was analyzed for particle size distribution, ash content, moisture content, and bulk density. Supply chain costs were estimated for multiple recovery methods, machinery scales, and chipping locations, considering specific treatment options. Results showed that one year of natural air drying enabled non-delimbed and delimbed energy wood to meet CHP system requirements for particle size and ash content, whereas residues and woody debris required targeted post-processing. Supply chain costs ranged from $175-426 per oven-dry tonne, driven primarily by transportation distance and treatment intensity. These findings demonstrate that fuel-reduction biomass can support small-scale CHP system operations when feedstock is locally sourced and of sufficient quality. Integrating energy production with higher-value product streams may provide a practical approach to cost-effective biomass utilization while contributing to wildfire risk mitigation, local energy security, and the regional bioeconomy. This study offers a transferable framework for evaluating operational feasibility and supply chain design in other fire-prone regions. • Selected fuel-reduction biomass can serve as feedstock for small bioenergy systems. • One-year natural drying significantly reduced biomass moisture and fine particle content. • Supply chain costs ranged from $175 to $426 per oven-dry tonne across evaluated scenarios. • For short distance biomass recovery, chipping at the delivery site resulted in lower overall costs than roadside chipping.