More Lithuanian logging waste could make way for usage in biofuels production. The ‘national forestry sector development programme’ submitted recently to the government of Lithuanian by the ministry of environment proposed for maximising the use of logging waste for biofuels raising the usage from 80,000 cubic metres to 500,000 cubic metres per year.

The data prepared through extensive research showed this amount of waste can be taken from Lithuanian forests without damaging their ecosystems. However, specific programme implementation measures for both state and private forests had yet to be devised as the proposition had yet to get governmental endorsement.

The research data revealed that around 82% of total biomass is accumulated in forests, which occupy one-third of the territory of Lithuania. Firewood, waste from the wood processing industry and logging waste accounts for the bulk of biomass used in biofuel production. Small trees and shrubs growing on roadsides and on the sides of drainage ditches as well as wood generated during thinning can be used more effectively in biofuel production as well, according to the report.