New RISI Report Reviews United States and European Wood Biomass Policies

BEDFORD, Massachusetts, January 12 - RISI, the leading information provider for the global forest products
industry, today announced the publication of the 2010 Wood Biomass Policy
Review. This new study provides a concise review and analysis of the policy
drivers and underlying objectives influencing development of the biomass
energy sector in the United States and Europe. This study profiles the
renewable energy sector in both the US and Europe, examines the evolution of
government policies in both regions and gives a realistic perspective on the
potential growth in wood biomass energy. The 2010 Wood Biomass Policy Review
is the first of three wood biomass multi-client studies to be released in
2010. This policy review will be followed by a forecast of wood biomass
demand and a third study providing an outlook for wood biomass supply and
prices.

(Logo: www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080521/NEW122LOGO )

Robert Flynn, study author and RISI Director of International Timber,
commented, "Investors seem to be stampeding into new wood biomass projects
without a good understanding of the government policies that are really
creating this new demand. The RISI Wood Biomass Projects Database indicated
in December 2009 that 76 new wood pellet plants and 113 new wood-based
biomass power plants had been announced in North America since 2007." He
continued, "But not all of these new projects will be built, at least in the
next five years, and some that are built will not survive market realities.
The vast amount of information on this subject is overwhelming for anyone
trying to quickly develop an accurate perspective on the sector. This new
report will serve as a useful tool for investors trying to evaluate projects
and gain a realistic understanding of US and European wood biomass energy
related policies."

The report features:

    - Detailed energy profiles for the United States and Europe,
      which place the demand for woody biomass energy in context of their
      overall energy sectors and other competing renewable energy forms.
    - A comprehensive and balanced review of renewable energy policies
      in Europe, and their likely impact in driving demand for wood pellets
      and/or woodchips imported from the United States.
    - A thorough review of existing and pending federal and state
      regulations and support mechanisms in the US, which are driving the
      development of biomass energy in the country.

Who should purchase the 2010 Wood Biomass Policy Review:

    - Major forest owners seeking to understand the long-term
      demand for woody biomass energy, how quickly it will develop and how
      sustainable it will be.
    - Pulp and Paper companies looking at competition for fiber and/or
      possible benefit through government programs that give them credit for
      renewable energy production.
    - Equipment suppliers wanting perspective on where and how much
      demand for specialized harvesting equipment, chippers, trucks,
      pelletizing equipment, etc. will develop.
    - Power companies developing or considering development of biomass
      power facilities.
    - Banks, hedge funds and other investors needing perspective on
      biomass energy development.
    - Transport companies - both rail companies looking at transporting
      pellets, chips and other biomass for energy within the US and shipping
      companies looking to transport chips/pellets to Europe.
    - Companies involved in developing large wood pellet plants.

The 2010 Wood Biomass Policy Review is one of many wood biomass related
products and solutions offered by RISI. Visit www.woodbiomass.com for more
information about how RISI can help you solve your most pressing wood biomass
challenges.

The 2010 Wood Biomass Policy Review is currently available and can be
purchased at www.risi.com/biomasspolicy.

About RISI

RISI is the leading information provider for the global forest products
industry. The company works with clients in the wood biomass, timber, wood
products, pulp and paper, tissue, nonwovens, printing and publishing
industries to help them make better decisions.

Headquartered in Boston (Bedford), Massachusetts, RISI operates offices
in Brussels, Belgium; Atlanta, Georgia; San Francisco, California; Portland,
Oregon; Sao Paulo, Brazil; Shanghai, China; Helsinki, Finland; Singapore; and
Charlottesville, Virginia. More information can be found at www.risi.com.

    Contact:
    Dan Blenk
    Director of Marketing, Wood & Timber Information
    RISI
    4 Alfred Circle,
    Bedford MA 01730 USA
    Tel: +1-781-734-8942
    Email: dblenk@risi.com

Dan Blenk, Director of Marketing, Wood & Timber Information of RISI, +1-781-734-8942, dblenk at risi.com