Biomass for Energy

Why should we consider using biomass for energy? Due to the high natural gas prices and the prices of other fossil fuels, harvesting of biomass is rapidly becoming competitive economically. Burning wood instead of coal is not necessarily less expensive, but it is better for the environment because heating with wood is carbon neutral. Federal legislation is now making it more cost effective for towns to use this cleaner energy source.

Biomass Resource in Minnesota

Minnesota has a relatively large biomass resource that could provide a song local economic impact. Biomass harvesting could readily be integrated into existing logging operations to reduce the importation of fossil fuels. Biomass also provides a very clean fuel source with low ash which meets the carbon neutral target of the Kyoto agreement.

Biomass Sources

Potential sources of biomass include hybrid poplar stands, forest harvest residues (the brushy tops and limbs of trees left on the ground after a timber harvest) and thinning of forested areas. These types of biomass are easy to store, unlike most other materials that are being considered for use. These sources will also provide northern Minnesota with a higher yield than corn crops benefiting the economic climate locally.