Biomass Working Group

The meeting focused on two areas of biomass - wood and cow manure. The Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CEF) presented information on the gasifier project at Tallon Lumber in North Canaan, CT. Approximately 3,000 tons per year of wood chips from the on-site sawmill operation will be utilized in the gasifier and produce heat for the facility. The technology is capable of producing around 100kW. Testing began in January 2005. CEF has also completed a Biomass Assessment that examines the fuel supply for the Waterbury and Plainfield areas of Connecticut. For more information, visit http://www.ctcleanenergy.com.

Matt Freund from Freund Farm made a presentation on his efforts to manage manure on his dairy farm and minimize its impact to the environment. His presentation focused on the trials and tribulations of the manure digester that he operates. While this technology can be useful in managing manure and producing energy, there are still challenges to confront, especially for a farm of this scale (about 200 cows). Other innovative projects from Freund include the patented manure plant pots being made of cow manure (instead of peat or plastic) and paper, and a paper made of manure fibers. Marketing of these products will be the next step.

The meeting also included a brief update on the Northeast Regional Biomass Program activities, primarily biodiesel projects underway with Department of Energy (DOE) Supplement Environmental Project (SEP) funding and planned workshops within the next nine months on bio-based products and biofuels.

Connecticut has prepared a fact sheet on outdoor wood burning furnaces, as a means of getting information out on the health impacts caused by smoke from this unregulated technology. A copy is available at http://www.dep.state.ct.us/air2/consumer/owf.pdf.