As it searches for new markets, can South Carolina’s forestry industry tap into energy?

By Lucy Valeski
The State
July 2, 2025
Category: Carbon, Climate & Bioenergy
Region: United States, US East

After Georgetown’s International Paper mill shut down at the end of last year, the pressure is on for South Carolina’s forestry industry to find new local markets. The solution may be as simple as burning wood, a type of renewable energy. …South Carolina produces wood pellets but much of the product is shipped abroad. …Some lawmakers hope wood biomass specifically could address two problems the state faces: the forestry industry’s need for new local markets and consumers’ demand for more energy. State lawmakers attempted to address the latter in the South Carolina Energy Security Act. The new law is aimed at generating more energy in the state. …Forestry industry leaders delivered a report at the beginning of 2025 highlighting the economic impact of the closures. The short report, led by the SC Forest Recovery Task Force, identifies potential markets where the forestry industry could expand. Biomass tops the list.

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