Recognizing that harvesting costs
using traditional methods (even with improved efficiency) may
represent two-thirds or more of total energy crop
production costs, we
believe that research into this area may provide the most
important sigle aspect of
achieving economic
objectives (e.g., lowering the per unit cost
per MMBTU of energy crop fuel).
Energy Crop Cost Components
We are directing and structuring research into the use of high
efficiency energy-crop harvesting systems currently used in
Europe, such as
the Claas Jaguar forage harvester equipped with a willow head.
Through literature reviews, discussions with Claas, the Antares
Group (the lead consultant for the New York Willow Project), and
others, the estimated cost of using a high capacity forage
harvester is $.50 to $.65 per MMBTU -- approximately one-third
of current harvesting costs using traditional methods.
Cost Estimates: The below
table reflects three scenarios of
current cost estimates for harvesting energy crop fuel. Both
traditional scenarios reflect harvesting practices using
using feller-bunchers and skidders -- with the improved
traditional case based on
efficiency improvements demonstrated by Scott Paper Company in
Southern Alabama (e.g., cull tree harvesting for energy wood
fuel).
Estimated Cost For Harvesting Energy Crop
Trees
| Cost
Scenario:
|
$/Green
Ton |
$/MMBTU
|
|---|
| Traditional Base Case | $13.00
| $1.88 |
| Traditional Improved Case | $8.00
| $1.16 |
| Claas Harvester Case | ~$4.50
| ~$0.65 |
Brief Background on Harvesting: In the U.S., traditional
forestry harvesting/logging/chipping practices are comprised of
using seperate equipment
fellerbunchers, skidders, and on-
site chippers. The Claas Jaguar Forage Harvester combines
the functions of this traditional foresty equipment into one
operation:
Harvesting Research: In order to position our research
efforts to perform "field
harvesting tests" using more efficient harvesting equipment, we
have configured much of our energy crop plantation in Lakeland
to
be adapable to the Claas equipment. This involves planting twin
rows of trees, to be harvested in one to two years from
planting, as illustrated below:
|
