In the last five years, the South has seen explosive growth in wood pellet manufacturing—pellets which are being shipped across the Atlantic for use as a replacement fuel in Europe’s coal fired power plants. But while these exports are generating significant profits for European corporations, questions are being asked about both the environmental and economic consequences of this rapid expansion. From April 11th to the 14th, The International Biomass Conference & Expo will draw 1,500 attendees from across industry and government to Charlotte. The subject of wood pellet manufacturing and forest-to-biomass energy is likely to be a hot topic.