Energy wood harvest has doubled in the last twenty years

Climate change and the associated promotion of renewable energies are also responsible for the sharp increase, according to the forestry statistics published by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) on Wednesday. In 2023, energy wood accounted for around 44% of the total wood harvest with a volume of 2.1 million cubic meters. Compared to the previous year, the share increased slightly and is now almost on a par with trunk wood.

Overall, timber harvesting in Swiss forests has declined for the first time since 2019 after four years of steady growth. In 2023, 4.9 million cubic meters were harvested, which corresponds to a decline of six percent compared to the previous year. The lower demand for wood played an important role in this, according to the report.

The majority of cantons reduced their supply of logs, for example. Last year was characterized by periods of drought and extreme local storms, which led to numerous forced harvests, according to the FSO. Many normally planned logging operations were postponed in order to avoid creating too much supply.

The 640 forestry operations recorded a deficit of around CHF 20 million in 2023, the FSO wrote. Forestry operations on the Central Plateau, in the Alps and on the southern side of the Alps recorded losses. The Jura Arc recorded a positive balance sheet with a total profit of 2.5 million francs.