Forestry residues present a promising feedstock for sustainable hydrogen production, particularly when integrated with carbon management strategies like biochar burial or bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS). These approaches not only generate low-carbon hydrogen but also contribute to negative emissions, aligning with global climate goals. The process leverages woody biomass from forest operations, including logging slash, thinning residues, and sawmill byproducts, which would otherwise decompose or be burned, releasing carbon dioxide. By converting these residues into hydrogen through thermochemical pathways like gasification, the carbon embedded in the biomass can be permanently sequestered, enhancing the overall carbon balance.

The supply chain for hydrogen production from forestry residues begins with sustainable forest management. Efficient collection and transportation of residues are critical to minimize costs and emissions. Harvesting residues are typically gathered using forwarders or chippers, then transported to centralized gasification facilities. Proximity to forests is essential to reduce logistical burdens, as transportation over long distances erodes economic and environmental benefits. Regional hubs near forested areas, such as those in Canada’s boreal regions, are ideal for locating hydrogen production plants. Preprocessing steps, like drying and size reduction, are necessary to optimize feedstock quality for gasification.

Gasification converts forestry residues into syngas, a mixture of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and other gases, through partial oxidation at high temperatures. The syngas is then purified, with hydrogen separated via pressure swing adsorption or membrane technologies. The remaining carbon-rich byproducts can be managed through two pathways: biochar burial or BECCS. Biochar, a stable form of carbon produced via pyrolysis, can be applied to soils, enhancing agricultural productivity while sequestering carbon for centuries. Alternatively, BECCS captures CO2 from the gasification process and stores it geologically, achieving negative emissions. Both methods improve the lifecycle carbon footprint of hydrogen production.

Carbon accounting for these systems requires rigorous methodologies to quantify net emissions. Lifecycle assessment (LCA) frameworks must account for feedstock sourcing, processing emissions, hydrogen yields, and carbon sequestration rates. Key variables include forest growth rates, residue availability, and the energy intensity of gasification and carbon capture processes. For instance, Canada’s Clean Hydrogen Roadmap emphasizes the importance of robust carbon intensity metrics to ensure hydrogen production meets low-carbon thresholds. The roadmap supports the use of forestry biomass for hydrogen, provided sustainable harvesting practices and verifiable carbon removal are maintained.

Forest management synergies further enhance the viability of this approach. Sustainable thinning reduces wildfire risks and promotes forest health, while residue utilization supports rural economies. In Canada, where forests cover nearly 40% of the land area, integrating hydrogen production with forestry operations could create regional energy hubs. Partnerships between forestry companies, hydrogen producers, and government agencies are essential to streamline supply chains and incentivize investment. Policies like carbon credits for biochar burial or BECCS can improve project economics, making hydrogen from forestry residues competitive with conventional production methods.

Challenges remain in scaling this technology. Feedstock variability, gasification efficiency, and carbon capture costs must be addressed to ensure commercial viability. However, national strategies like Canada’s demonstrate a growing recognition of forestry-based hydrogen as a key component of the clean energy transition. By coupling hydrogen production with carbon sequestration, this approach offers a dual solution: decarbonizing energy systems while actively removing CO2 from the atmosphere.

The integration of hydrogen production with forestry residues and carbon management represents a circular economy model, where waste streams are valorized, and emissions are mitigated. As countries refine their hydrogen strategies, the role of biomass-derived hydrogen with carbon sequestration will likely expand, supported by advancements in gasification technology, carbon accounting standards, and sustainable forest practices. This model not only advances energy security but also contributes to broader environmental and economic objectives, positioning hydrogen as a cornerstone of a net-zero future.