Efficient forest fuel supply systems: Research, development and dissemination of knowledge in Sweden

Efficient Forest Fuel Supply Systems (ESS) was run as a collaboration program, financed by the forestry sector, the energy sector, and the Swedish Energy Agency. The objective was to enable a long-term, sustainable and greatly increased use of forest fuel by supporting the development of a more efficient production system. The financial framework of ESS was SEK 130 million (approximately CA $ 19.5 million) over eight years, and the program supported approximately 150 research and development projects. Skogforsk administered the program, and was responsible for coordination and disseminating information to the stakeholders. A program board made formal decisions, and a fuel technology collaboration group helped to identify R&D areas. A project pilot was linked to each project to ensure that the focus was on sector needs and interests, and to help the project manager with relevant study objects, networks and updated information. In and around the program, valuable expertise and networks were built up in each sector and in research organisations, both nationally and internationally. Great emphasis was placed on practical demonstration, implementation and communication, in order to disseminate knowledge about new technology and methods and to influence attitudes toward forest fuel harvest. The forestry sector and its contractors gradually strengthened the supply system through improved skills, better organisation, and advanced equipment. The goals were largely attained, and practical aspects relating to forest fuel were implemented, incorporating many of the results.