ENERGY NEWS NETWORK • June 2, 2022
A new law encouraging the development of wood-fired combined heat and power plants in Maine is drawing praise for its potential to benefit the economy and the environment. But some climate activists are skeptical, saying questions remain about whether the program will cut carbon emissions as intended. Burning wood produces more carbon dioxide per unit of heat generated than burning natural gas or heating oil. Many climate advocates worry that the carbon-capture capacity of forests is not enough to offset these higher emissions.