Biomass Week - April 22, 2011

Greenhouse slashes heating costs with biomass An 18-acre greenhouse in Somers, Conn., has reduced its annual heating costs by 70 percent by switching out its oil burners for a biomass boiler system. During the process, the company learned a great deal about the wood fuel supply chain. READ MORE SHARE
Biogas projects break ground, begin operations Two biogas recovery projects located in California and in Texas have each reached milestones recently. A project in San Diego County is ready to break ground, while another one in Dallas is ready for commissioning. READ MORE SHARE
	Pellet mill may occupy shuttered Virginia paper mill A shuttered paper mill in Franklin, Va., might be given new life and purpose as an enormous pellet mill. The plan would also bring back a majority of jobs for a workforce laid off when the paper mill closed in April 2010. READ MORE SHARE
Webinar highlights export opportunities, programs A free BTEC webinar held April 18 identified key federal export programs and highlighted opportunities related to the export of biomass feedstock and equipment. READ MORE SHARE
Nova Scotia reduces forest biopower cap The eastern Canadian province of Nova Scotia has lowered by 30 percent its cap on the amount of new forest biomass that can be used to produce power, defending the act as a measure to further protect the sustainability of forests in the province. READ MORE SHARE
Savings and revenue opportunities in gasifying waste bark Waste bark is a standard component of many wood production processes, and gasifying it would not only reduce disposal issues, but would come with monetary savings and even potential revenue. READ MORE SHARE
Viridis Energy seizes pellet industry opportunities A $15.5 million off-take agreement with another pellet manufacturer marks British Columbia-based Viridis Energy LLC's first bulk overseas pellet supply agreement and the company expects to quickly grow its business through acquisitions. READ MORE SHARE
Report analyzes European pellet markets In 2009, Europe consumed a total of 9.8 million metric tons of wood pellets, with 9.2 million going to the 27 European Union member states, according to the 2011 report European Wood Pellet Markets: Current Status and Prospects for 2020. READ MORE SHARE
Conference to highlight forest bioenergy opportunities The 31st Southern Forest Tree Improvement Conference being held in Biloxi, Miss., promises to have something for everyone interested in developing, growing and utilizing biomass for the production of bioenergy. READ MORE SHARE
New association to address U.S. industrial pellet export issues A new trade group has formed to address specific industry issues faced by U.S. manufacturers of industrial grade wood pellets that are being exported to Europe. READ MORE SHARE