Reed harvesting from wetlands for bioenergy : technical aspects, sustainability and economic viability of reed harvesting in Ukraine

In this report the different aspects of reed and reed lands are discussed related to sustainable harvesting of biomass. This is based on a pilot project for Poltava Oblast, funded by Agency NL of the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs. Within the ‘Pellets for Power project’ several areas were identified, to test the approach and criteria applied for NTA8080. This report shows that ILUC free reed harvesting is possible. Reed in the project area is harvested on land not used currently for agricultural purposes. The wetland should be maintained as much as possible in its natural state, and protected against fires. Based on this, it is concluded that the requirements for NTA8080 can be met. Biomass harvesting is in support of wetland protection, and can result in increased biodiversity, provided that the necessary precautions are taken, as described in the ‘best practices’. In this way reed harvesting for biofuels also contribute to social wellbeing, increase income for local communities, and at the same time decrease greenhouse gas emissions.