Alberta stands at a crossroads. While we debate fossil fuels, we’re overlooking a powerful, practical solution in our forests: district heating powered by sustainable biomass.
In Sweden, this is standard practice. Over 75 per cent of Stockholm homes are heated by low-carbon district energy systems that use forestry waste, industrial heat and even wastewater. The result? Cleaner air, stable energy prices and a thriving biomass economy.
Meanwhile, Canada’s unmanaged forests are becoming climate liabilities. In 2023, wildfires in Canada released a record-breaking 480 megatonnes of carbon, accounting for 23 per cent of global wildfire emissions—far surpassing the 82 megatonnes of CO₂ released by the oil sands that year and over 5 times that of Sweden’s emissions from forest fires.
In contrast, Sweden shows a different path. With a forest area of about 28 million hectares, Sweden harvested 17.8 million cubic metres of wood in 2023—leveraging smart policy and proactive forest management to keep their forests healthy, productive and less fire-prone.
Alberta, by comparison, has a larger forest base of 38 million hectares, covering 58 per cent of the province’s land. In 2023, Alberta harvested approximately 25 million cubic metres of wood—a strong contribution to Canada’s forestry sector, but still with untapped potential. The key difference lies in approach: Sweden combines thinning, replanting and biomass utilization to manage fire risk and generate clean energy. Alberta can do the same—and more.
Sweden’s shift began during the 1970s oil crisis. Rather than depend on gas, they built district heating networks and introduced a carbon tax in 1991. Today, 52 per cent of all residential heating comes from these networks, powered by Combined Heat and Power (CHP) systems that convert forest residues into local energy.
Alberta has potential to follow suit. From sawmill waste to fire-prone underbrush, we have abundant biomass. Yet without infrastructure or policy, this resource goes unused—rotting or burning in wildfires. Companies like TorchLight Bioresources have shown how local BECCS (bioenergy with carbon capture) systems can sustainably heat communities, reduce emissions, create jobs and produce a new export product – carbon dioxide removals.
With a greater supply of sustainably harvested biomass, Alberta can go far beyond localized heating. Clean fuels like renewable diesel and gasoline, biogas and hydrogen can be produced, supporting transportation and heavy industry. Circular economy opportunities also emerge—mass timber for green construction, bio-based plastics, sustainable textiles and even battery components.
Let’s be clear: harvesting more wood, when done sustainably, is one of the best ways to protect our forests. Strategic thinning and removing deadfall reduces wildfire risk, supports regrowth and stores more carbon. What Alberta needs now is bold leadership to unlock this opportunity. Sweden’s model proves it works! Alberta, with its forest resources and technical know-how, can lead Canada in building healthier forests, cleaner energy and stronger rural economies. We don’t need to reinvent the wheel—we just need the will to act
