Biomass Thermal Energy: New Reports and Projects

More of the energy in biomass can be put to good use when it is used for heating and cooling. However, in many state renewable energy portfolio standards (RPS), renewable thermal energy is often ignored, while renewable electric power production, which, in the case of renewable biopower, generally converts a much smaller portion of the energy value of the biomass into useable energy, is often favored. Efforts are now underway in a number of states to address this policy imbalance between renewable energy sectors.

In a recent edition of Biomass Power and Thermal Magazine , Stephen Gunther of the Biomass Thermal Energy Council reviews existing state renewable thermal energy policies. He finds: "Arizona, Iowa, North Carolina and Wisconsin all have varying policies on how they incorporate biomass thermal into their RPSs, and several states, such as Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Ohio, Vermont and Virginia, are actively considering adding biomass thermal as a qualifying renewable energy source."

In Massachusetts this month, the Department of Energy Resources released a study, Massachusetts Renewable Heating and Cooling: Opportunities and Impacts Study , which "calls for renewable thermal systems for homes and businesses to play a key role in the Commonwealth’s reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. It examines the technical status, cost effectiveness, market barriers, and greenhouse gas benefits associated with four promising and emerging renewable thermal technologies." The study examines the potential of solar, biomass, advanced biodiesel, and high efficiency ground source heat pumps to meet the state’s heating and cooling needs, explores some of the barriers to deployment and policy environment in the U.S., and surveys various thermal energy policies in Europe.

On April 5, the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) Wood Education and Resource Center (WERC) announced a collaboration with the State of Vermont to conduct feasibility studies for ten small scale biomass thermal and thermal-led combined heat and power projects. The projects being evaluated include schools, apartments, and commercial buildings. The project is part of the USFS Woody Energy Technical Assistance Program.

For a good example of a biomass thermal energy feasibility analysis, check out a recent study by Dovetail Partners, Inc. and colleagues at the University of Minnesota entitled "Forest Biomass Heating and Electricity for Cook County Minnesota, Phase I Report" (September). "The two‐part study provides county residents with information about the impacts of biomass energy on local energy security and costs, utilization of wood waste and reduction of fire risk, and stewardship of regional forests, water and air quality, greenhouse gas emissions, and local economies." Phase I assesses the "availability of forest biomass for energy production in Cook County; options for biomass combustion technology for small, medium, and large systems; and financial implications of converting to biomass energy in various Cook County settings."