The Pocono Northeast Resource Conservation & Development Council had the new mobile pelletizer running that Energy/Environmental Expo in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. During the event, a native grass was modified and converted into a pellet that could be used as a source of fuel for wood pellet stoves. The only additive to the dried grass was water to increase moisture content.
The project was conducted in cooperation with numerous partners to facilitate the growth of grassland agriculture systems which can provide economically competitive and more environmentally friendly fuel choices for consumer energy needs. The “Biomass & Renewable Fuel Development Utilizing Pelletized Grasses Project” focuses on the construction and subsequent demonstration of a mobile pelletizing unit that will densify grassland biomass fuel for direct combustion for heat and energy. This unit will be used as an important demonstration tool for this technology in the marketplace.
By demonstrating this relatively small-scale, affordable, conversion technology to the public, the project will serve as proof of technology to farmers and landowners interested in energy production on the land and will facilitate the integration of this equipment into the local agriculture community. In addition, public awareness will be raised concerning the very real benefits of grassland agriculture and will demonstrate to the general public how they can, as consumers, make choices which help to protect the integrity of their rural communities and environments.
This project is a component of the Pennsylvania Fuels for Schools & Beyond Project. The Council initiated the Pennsylvania Fuels for Schools & Beyond Project in November 2006. This statewide energy-use initiative, promotes the use of local renewable resources to provide reliable energy for Pennsylvania schools and businesses. With environmental concerns and fuel costs mounting, many Americans are looking for ways to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels and replace them with renewable energy sources. In Pennsylvania, renewable energy sources include wood, wood residue and dedicated agricultural energy crops, also known as biomass. The Pennsylvania Fuels for Schools & Beyond program is helping schools and businesses understand the economic, operational, and environmental benefits of biomass systems. Numerous sources of funding assistance exist for biomass energy systems in Pennsylvania for schools, institutions, greenhouses or other businesses. Both state and federal programs have grant and loan opportunities available at certain times during the year.
If you are interested in a Biomass Heating System for your School in PA - contact your local RC&D Council.
For more information visit
http://www.pnercd.org
http://www.pnercd.org/
