Yukon adopts biomass strategy

“Using biomass is a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable solution for heating in the territory,” said Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources Scott Kent. “The Yukon Biomass Energy Strategy will also create good opportunities for investment in the Yukon.”

The strategy provides opportunities for generating new energy for heating from local renewable energy sources. Biomass energy is energy derived from organic matter. In the Yukon, the most commonly available biomass resource is wood, which is the main focus of the strategy.

There are six key action areas found within the strategy:
•using biomass energy for government infrastructure;
•developing regulations, policies and programs for a biomass energy industry;
•managing air quality to protect public and environmental health and safety;
•facilitating the development of a biomass energy industry in Yukon;
•ensuring a sustainable timber supply; and
•ensuring biomass fuel quality and security.

The City of Dawson’s wastewater treatment plant uses a biomass fuel boiler for generating heat in a cost-effective way using locally produced wood chips. The Whitehorse Correctional Centre is into its fourth full heating season operating the facility’s renewable energy biomass system.

“Over time the Yukon government aims to encourage the adoption of modern, clean-burning wood-heating technologies and optimize the use of local wood resources in the production of heat to deliver adequate energy during our long, cold winter months,” Kent added.

The Yukon Biomass Energy Strategy joins the recently adopted Independent Power Production policy and the Micro-generation policy as part of Yukon government’s broader efforts to increase renewable energy and to achieve energy self-reliance as per the Energy Strategy for Yukon and Climate Change Action Plan.

Learn more about the Yukon Biomass Energy Strategy.