Pathways to Fossil-Free Forestry

Sweden’s forest industry is facing a crucial transformation. Achieving national climate goals will require a significant reduction in emissions from fossil fuels – including those within the forestry value chain. The research project Pathways to Fossil-Free Forestry maps out key components of forest operations and develops future scenarios to illustrate how technological solutions and strategic investments can support a sustainable, fossil-free forestry sector.

The project Pathways to Fossil-Free Forestry explores how the forest industry can transition away from fossil fuels by introducing energy-efficient forestry machinery, alternative fuels, and improved technologies and logistics. It also examines how rewetting drained peatlands may enhance climate benefits and contribute to more sustainable forestry practices.

The aim is to create evidence-based future scenarios that outline potential pathways toward fossil-free forestry and identify the investments required to reach these goals.

IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute is responsible for the following sub-studies within the project:

• a comparative analysis of alternative fuels and powertrains for forestry machinery
• a policy review of regulations that influence the shift to fossil-free operations
• An analysis of the forest estate's potential to serve as an energy hub, enabling local charging, refueling, and storage of renewable fuels and batteries

The project will deliver concrete recommendations to forest owners, contractors, equipment manufacturers, and policymakers. In the long term, it aims to reduce climate emissions in the forestry sector and stimulate continued research in this field.