It could be the ultimate expression of a heated sibling rivalry. The younger brother makes something and the older one burns it up. But in this case, Chris and Francis Sharron are partners in a problematic revival of the oldest human heating method: setting fire to wood. Chris Sharron’s West Oregon Wood Products compresses mill [...]
Southeast Biomass Study: Is It Too Late?
A new study of southeastern forests in the U.S. finds that in the long run, burning wood instead of fossil fuels to make electricity can reduce heat-trapping carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, but not soon enough to prevent worsening the conditions leading to global climate change. The study also shows that as the industry expands [...]
Low Natural Gas Prices Undercut Minnesota’s Biomass Projects
Natural gas prices have hit rock-bottom in Minnesota, undercutting the state’s taxpayer-supported efforts to promote statewide biomass energy projects. Minnesota has invested more than $11 million in taxpayer and utility funds to advance technologies that burn biomass for heat and electric generation or convert it to a synthetic gas, but it’s now getting difficult for [...]
Coal Emissions Tax Funding Biomass Grants In Canada
Revenue from a coal emissions tax is being used to fund grants encouraging biomass fuels in Manitoba. New Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn recently announced that the province will provide up to $400,000 in grants to get coal users to switch, boosting support for Manitoba’s biomass industry. “Biomass is a made-in-Manitoba fuel that can be produced [...]
SAF Report Covers Carbon, Energy Benefits Of Forests and Biomass
A recent report provides new ideas surrounding carbon and energy benefits forests and forest products provide. The report, Managing Forests Because Carbon Matters: Integrating Energy, Products, and Land Management Policy, summarizes and analyzes the most recent science regarding forests and carbon accounting, biomass use, and forest carbon offsets. The report emerged from the Society of [...]
Enviva Will Provide Biomass To Dominion
Enviva LP has signed a contract with Richmond, Va.-based Dominion Virginia Power to supply biomass to two power facilities in southeast Virginia. In April, Dominion announced plans to convert three 63 MW coal burning peaking plants to 50 MW continuous power plants using biomass. Enviva will supply two of these plants, located in Southampton and [...]