Forest residues for renewable carbon in the Australian bioeconomy

Sustainably-sourced forest residues are a type of renewable carbon with potential to replace fossil fuels when converted into a range of products. , thereby contributing to emissions’ reductions and climate change mitigation. In Australia, there is an abundance of forest residues generated from plantations each year, and yet they are an under-utilised resource. This study was dedicated to assessing the viability of harnessing forest residues and potential contribution to the energy transition and emerging circular bioeconomy in Australia. Demonstrating a waste-to-energy pathway, it provides a preliminary assessment of emission savings, economic feasibility, and industry support needs. This study links to SDG 15 ‘Life on land’, SDG 7 ‘Affordable and clean energy’, and SDG 12 ‘Responsible consumption and production’.