Pellet Mill Monthly - May 3, 2011

Vermont to implement wood pellet heating incentive Out of concern for energy independence and a desire to boost the use of locally sourced fuel and equipment, the Vermont governor has called on Efficiency Vermont and the Department of Public Service to incentivize a switch to wood pellet heat. READ MORE SHARE
SUNY ESF to install biomass CHP system The State University College of Environmental Science & Forestry will use a $963,000 state grant to install a biomass combined-heat-and-power (CHP) system. The $2.4 million system will be fueled by wood pellets from nearby manufacturers. 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
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
BTEC launches industry podcast series The BTEC has launched a podcast series that will engage global industry representatives to provide insight on specific biomass energy issues, including current developments, major challenges, sustainability issues and federal policy. 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
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