Yukon biomass energy strategy : Implementing the energy strategy for Yukon

A transition to a biomass economy has the potential to reduce heating costs for Yukoners, create new jobs in the local forest and heating industries, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and move the territory towards sustainable renewable energy and greater energy self-sufficiency. [...] It discusses the challenges and benefits of using biomass energy, identifies goals and principles for its use and proposes actions for developing and promoting this form of heat in the territory. [...] While YG does support the (eventual) use of biomass for electricity production, the primary focus of this strategy is to optimize the use of wood for heat, using modern systems that are clean, efficient and economical. [...] Specifically, the harvesting of biomass for energy production in Yukon will conform to the provisions established in the Forest Resource Management Plans. [...] Although the cost of installing a biomass system is normally higher than the cost of installing an oil system, with a relatively short payback period, the lower cost of wood fuel makes up for the higher installation cost and results in significantly lower heating costs in the long-term.