Analysis of the effects of using large drones to expand woody biomass supply potential in hilly and mountainous areas#

In recent years, rapid increase of woody biomass power plants creates huge demand for fuelwood. Further expanding the use of forest residues requires cost reduction of collecting them to meet the demand. On the other hand, large drones with a payload capacity of 200 kg or more have been developed. They have a possibility to expand the forest area where timber can be economically logged using drones, thereby supply of fuelwood can increase. In this study, we present conditions in the forest where drone logging should be used, including steep terrain and long distances from roads, followed by evaluating economic efficiency of forestry operation under the conditions. The results show that the drone logging can be used economically in most of the sub-compartments with the conditions. Amount of forest residues available can increase more than 60% by applying drone logging. The energy obtained the residues covers 29% of the electricity demand in the study area. The results suggest drone logging system can contribute significantly to decarbonization of the region.