TheBioenergySite Latest News
University Biomass Plant Opened
US - A new biomass gasification plant on the University of Minnesota, Morris campus was opened in a public dedication ceremony recently.
The event, hosted by the University of Minnesota, Morris and the West Central Research and Outreach Center, was attended by local legislators, members of the University of Minnesota Board of Regents and other dignitaries will attend.
"The biomass plant conceptual goals were to rethink how we use energy and explore the possibilities of utilizing renewable agricultural based feed stocks in a sustainable manner," said Lowell Rasmussen, UMM vice chancellor for finance and facilities.
A model community-based energy system, the new biomass gasification facility will use about 9,000 tonnes of biomass per year to offset roughly 80 percent of UMM’s fossil fuel usage.
Energy sources like corn stover and prairie grasses will be purchased from area farmers and producers, injecting hundreds of thousands of dollars into the regional economy, creating new employment opportunities, a "green collar" economy and an exciting future for west central Minnesota.
The plant will move the campus one step closer to being energy self-sufficient and carbon neutral by 2010.
The project received one of 12 USDA/DOE (United States Departments of Agriculture and Energy) energy grants for $1.89 million to conduct additional research.
This grant, the largest received by the Morris campus to date, allowed UMM/WCROC to add the USDA Agricultural Research Service—North Central Soil Conservation Research Lab into the partnership to conduct research on carbon sequestration. The total project cost is $8,956,000, which includes grant money.
Latest Bioenergy Industry News
Biofuel Subsidies in China
CME: Crude Oil Prices Impact Livestock Production
€50m Set for Wind Farm Investment
Planning Notice for Aegir Offshore Wind Farm Submitted- Agreement on Viability of Mammoth Ethanol Facility
- EPA Applauded for Biodiesel Rule in 2009
Type of Physic Nut to Undergo R&D- Sweet Potatoes Entering Biofuels Arena
- Investments Funded in Ethanol-making Microbe
Sugarcane Expansion to be Restricted
