Biomass Week - July 15, 2011

ABC webinar details state, federal policy/programs for biogas Though there are programs and policies in place to help support the developing U.S. biogas industry, the playing field for biogas and other renewables is not level, according to the ABC, which held a webinar to address this issue and others. READ MORE SHARE
Biomass project proposed for Sierra Leone A biomass power plant proposed near Makeni, Sierra Leone in Africa, would provide electricity for an ethanol refinery, as well as about 20 percent of the country's national grid. The project is expected to be in operation by 2013. READ MORE SHARE
	Webinar tackles barriers to growth in residential wood heat use A webinar co-hosted by the Alliance for Green Heat and the Biomass Thermal Energy Council, will address barriers to growing the use of wood or pellet heat, and how federal and state governments can prepare for an increase in residential wood heat. READ MORE SHARE
Metso to supply CHP systems in Latvia, Finland Further expanding its global portfolio, equipment provider Metso Corp. will supply a combined-heat-and-power (CHP) system to a Fortum Power operation in Latvia, and another in Finland. The plants are scheduled to commence operation in 2013. READ MORE SHARE
Pennsylvania funds biomass, biogas projects The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development has awarded $4.2 million in grants and loans to 10 alternative energy projects in six counties, four of which are biomass and biogas projects. READ MORE SHARE
Wood heat dominates despite lack of incentives A yet-to-be-released report by nonprofit group Alliance for Green Heat shows that wood heating in America dominates the residential renewable energy market, even with virtually no government subsidies to support it. READ MORE SHARE
Oregon torrefaction company scores second USDA grant Oregon-based torrefaction plant developer HM3 Energy Inc. said USDA has notified the company that its National Institute of Food and Agriculture Small Business Innovative Research phase 2 grant proposal has been accepted. READ MORE SHARE
Viaspace eyes overseas pellet opportunities California-based Viaspace Inc. has reported that SGS North America Inc.'s Mineral Service Division has completed testing of its Giant King Grass pellets. READ MORE SHARE
Rentech's Florida biomass power plant has final air permit Following an event-free 30-day appeal window on its air permit, Rentech Inc. now has the final and nonappealable permit in place for its $255 million 55-megawatt biomass power plant proposed for Port St. Joe, Fla. READ MORE SHARE
BTEC praises Biomass Caucus formation, calls for more members The BTEC applauded the formation of the Congressional Biomass Caucus. Led by Rep. Charlie Bass, R-N.H., and Peter Welch, D-VT., this coalition will seek to support the development of biomass and elevate the renewable resource's profile in Congress. READ MORE SHARE