We are trying to broaden the discussion to identify what factors other than technology, may be limiting the successful scaling up of biomass systems. The analysis that requires discussion is that the energy conversion technology has no affordable solar radiation collection system to transform. In your response you mentioned no projected delivered cost of whole trees. This would increase the electrical energy cost compared to other negawatt or alternative renewable energy power generation options. This problem is exacerbated when using poplars as they are inefficient solar collectors in most of North America as they are inefficient water users.
Yields when averaged over a rotation are considerably lower.
In Minnesota for example, it generally takes 5 years to reach a respectable mean annual increment and then the annual increment declines again in the last 2-3 years. Research data is also derived generally from moderate to high quality sites. The land rental cost for this type of land is prohibitive for growing energy crops. Thus energy from fossil fuel is going to be constrained. For electricity generation wood is the most attractive fuel.