Break Out Sessions
The following are summaries of each of the break out sessions offered at this year's Midwest Biomass conference.
1. Opportunities in Thermal Biomass - T.J. Morice, Marth/BTEC
While biomass in the form of wood has been used for hundreds of years, we really re-invented it in the 1980’s with pellet fuel which unfortunately was not embraced as solidly in the United States as it was in Europe. We now have the opportunity to learn from Europe to increase our utilization of biomass fuels in general. There are a variety of energy, environmental, and economic reasons to pursue this fuel for heating applications.
2. Harvesting, Densifying, and Storing Agricultural Biomass - Bill Belden, Prairie Lands Cooperative
Bill Belden has been actively engaged in biomass production and processing since serving as project manager for the Chariton Valley Biomass Project; where he effectively led a diverse group of team members to conduct the largest co-firing project in the nation at that time. He coordinated the activities of the Prairie Lands Bio-Products, Inc., producers who grew, harvested, stored, delivered and processed switchgrass on a scale that had never been done before. He will speak about the ins and outs of harvesting, densifying, and storing agricultural biomass.
3. Mapping Bioenergy Resources at Multiple Scales - Steve Ventura, Environmental Studies and Soil Science, University of Wisconsin-Madison
An overview of three projects using geospatial techniques to provide information about bionenergy resources: 1) a statewide analysis of the location and quality of marginal lands; 2) an internet mapping site to provide maps and data relevant to biomass production and facilities; 3) a GIS-based tool for fine-scale analysis of potential ecosystem service impacts of land use changes for bioenergy cropping.
4. Managing the Biomass Supplier Value Chain - Tim Baye, Professor of Business Development, University of WI–Extension
The biomass convertor wants predictable feedstock, at lowest possible price, provided by a supplier that will satisfy the lenders due diligence requirements as a “credit worthy, legitimate vender.” The producers and aggregators want assurances of a fair price, stable orders and an economic arrangement that allows them to earn a return comparable to their other opportunities. Can these two parties find a common-ground? This session explores the buyer/seller fundamentals and practices in a bioenergy project, drawing upon lessons learned in the electrical generation industry.
5. A Future for Forest Bioenergy: Seeing Forests as a Frontier - Mike Schmidt, John Deere Forestry
By looking to the historical analysis of the development of the frontiers that propelled significant growth and transformation – including the frontier of the American West on which John Deere and our home country developed and flourished – we discover that our forests represent a rich and potentially limitless frontier. But to unlock this frontier, we must demand economic, social, and political recognition for the benefits that our forests, and those who work in them, provide us. Forest bioenergy may be the key in doing so.
6. Getting Started: What steps a facility interested in biomass energy should take - Kamalesh Doshi, Biomass Energy Resource Center
Once facility owners gets excited by the benefits of biomass, the next obvious questions they have are “Will a biomass system work for my facility? What is the best option for my facility?” Kamalesh Doshi, senior program director, will talk about how the facility owner can get answers to these questions. He will discuss important steps the facility owner needs to take. The steps will include a visit to existing biomass projects, the selection of consultants for pre-feasibility and feasibility studies, providing data to consultants, talking to potential biomass suppliers and the state agencies for permitting, grant opportunities etc. he will describe what a typical feasibility will tell you and how to use the report to take the decision to move forward.
7. Obstacles and Opportunities in Harvesting Biomass from Woodlands - Bethany Polchowski, Lambert Forest Products
In 2009 Lambert Forest Products purchased a Rotochopper MC266 Grinder to process forest slash, unmerchantable trees and construction waste. This purchase has allowed Lambert Forest Products to convert the previously wasted bi-products of the logging and/or construction industry, which commonly end up on the forest floor or in a landfill, into a product that can be utilized by co-generation plants to create energy within their facilities. The presentation will discuss the successes and trials of Lambert Forest Products’ biomass harvesting work. Different types of biomass harvesting techniques will be presented along with information about when each technique is most appropriate. The presentation will include: interviews with operators, video demonstrations of each method, examples, and discussion of frustrations encountered.
8. On Farm Biomass Pelleting for Energy Independence - Eric Kreidermacher, Pork & Plants LLC
Pork & Plants, a farm and greenhouse business in southeastern Minnesota, is using its agricultural waste to heat its facilities. The farm won an innovation award for creating renewable biomass pellets that heat the greenhouses. The presentation will discuss Pork & Plants, LLC’s conversion from traditional energy sources to biomass heating. Kreidermacher will provide information on the on-farm pelleting of various forms of biomass, including native prairie and other agricultural residues, to supply the farm and greenhouse business with the energy needed to meet the yearly energy demands.
9. Eastern Illinois University's Renewable Energy Center: A Biomass Central Heating Plant - Chad Weber, Eastern Illinois University
The existing coal-fired steam plant at Eastern Illinois University (EIU) was built in the center of the campus back in the 1920s, and has been plagued by frequent age-related failures. With university officials facing EPA permit violations, rising fuel costs, and zero capital funding from the state, Honeywell developed an innovative and affordable solution utilizing renewable energy technology to solve this mission-critical problem. The centerpiece of this $79 million project is the new Eastern Illinois University Renewable Energy Center. This new central steam plant features two 40,000 lb/hr biomass gasifier/boilers capable of meeting 100% of the annual steam load for the campus, as well as other renewable solutions including a 600 kW backpressure steam turbine and a 20 kW solar array. EIU will realize a dramatic positive environmental impact from the installed measures. The new biomass plant will reduce carbon emissions to 20% of the permitted level of the existing coal fired plant, a reduction of over 20,000 metric tons annually. The EIU and Honeywell team were determined to make the project a reality by employing creative solutions to overcome many obstacles, resulting in a sustainable solution that is both technically achievable and financially viable.
10. Keys to Building a Successful Biomass Cooperative - Steve Flick, Show Me Energy
Show Me Energy Cooperative is a farmer owned pelleting facility making pellets from native grasses and other residues in East Central Missouri. The pellets can be used in pellet stoves, burned in biomass boiler, or co-fired with coal. Show Me Energy Cooperative is prime example of energy entrepreneurism. Steve will speak on the formation and success of Show Me Energy, how other cooperatives may be modeled after Show Me and the future of biomass.
11. Production Analysis of Grass Based Energy Crops and Forest Derived Woody Biomass - Steven Bertjens, State Biologist & Patrick Dayton, Southwest Badger RC&D Council
Steven Bertjens is a State Biologist with the USDA-NRCS and serves as the agency’s Energy Team Leader for Wisconsin. Patrick Dayton is the Stewardship Forester for the Southwest Bader RC&D Council and the project manager for the study “True Cost of Harvesting Woody Biomass in the Driftless Area”. In the spring of 2010 the Southwest Badger RC&D established 25 acres of energy crop demonstrations on a farm near Fennimore. The energy crops being researched include three varieties of switchgrass, two varieties of miscanthus and two seeding rates of native prairie. In addition, the 50 acres of existing woodland on the farm were evaluated for the woody biomass available through timber stand improvement practices. This presentation will compare the cost of establishment for energy crops as well as yield results and harvesting costs. Advantages and pitfalls of each crop will be discussed including availability of markets.
12. Reflections on Developing a Municipal-Based Bioenergy Project: A SW WI Case Study - Tim Baye, Professor of Business Development, University of WI–Extension
Developing a biomass renewable energy project, in today’s environment, requires optimization of every possible factor and resource. Biomass fueled combined heat and power (CHP) offers the benefits of dispatchable energy, maximized thermal efficiency and may provide improved economic benefits, as compared to fossil fuels. This presentation will discuss the market, supply, organizational and financial considerations for evaluating and planning that were undertaken by a Southwestern Wisconsin Municipality CHP project. Participants will better understand the process and challenges involved with Public/Private BioEnergy projects.
13. Heating the Midwest: Community Scale Biomass Systems - Pamela Porter, Biomass Energy Resource Center
14. Energy Independence through Biomass - John Lundell, Energy Unlimited Inc.
Energy Unlimited Inc has been manufacturing biomass fired furnaces for over 20 years.These furnaces can replace the heat requirements from natural gas, LP gas, or coal. With the latest developments in Organic Rankin Cycle, biomass can be used to generate electricity without the need of steam generation.
15. Biomass Potential for Jobs and Energy in the Midwest - Brett Hulsey, Better Environmental Solutions
Learn about how Wisconsin and the Midwest can create regional jobs, promote cleaner energy, and sustainable agriculture by tapping its biomass potential for power and fuel.
16. Poplar Production in the United States: Economics and Potential to Address U.S. Demand for Liquid Fuels - Bill Berguson, Natural Resources Research Institute–University of Minnesota
Discussion of the current state of commercial poplar production in the United States as well as the potential to increase biomass yield through research in genetic improvement. Information on the steps involved in plantation establishment, yields and economics of the production system will be presented. The production cost of the raw material will be put in context of new technologies to produce liquid fuels. Information will be presented on the potential to produce biomass on a large scale and the scale of U.S. demand for transportation fuels.
17. A Farmer’s Perspective on Miscanthus - Eric Rund, Rund Farms/International AGtivities
Many countries in Europe have been producing, and utilizing Miscanthus for biomass energy for more than ten years. Although they are looking at large power plant projects, there are many producers growing Miscanthus for use in their communities, farms and homes. We can adapt much of what they have learned to our farms in the Midwest. Eric Rund of RUND FARMS | INTERNATIONAL AGTIVITIES produces seed corn, food grade corn, and seed beans on 775 acres in East Central Illinois. The past three years his operation has been experimenting with biomass crops. Eric traveled to Europe to learn how farmers there are producing and marketing a highly productive perennial grass Miscanthus Giganteus. What he learned has changed his focus on how we and other Midwest farmers can participate in this new market.
18. An Economically-Based System for Determining Sustainable Sources of Biomass - Spencer Parkinson, Decision Innovation Solutions
Many people have seen maps that show the biomass-producing potential of areas within the United States, but the real question is how much of it is really available? Decision Innovation Solutions has, through a private/public/non-profit partnership, produced a free online, regional (11 NE Iowa counties) system which gives potential biomass purchasers the ability to start down the path to answering this question. Our system accounts for economic, sustainability, and other important factors which inform a search for suitable locations for sourcing biomass. This session will be geared toward demonstrating the tool to the audience as well as for seeking feedback, as we are currently in the midst of making plans to expand the system to include the balance of Iowa.
19. On Farm Biomass Pelleting for Energy Independence - Eric Kreidermacher, Pork & Plants LLC
Pork & Plants, a farm and greenhouse business in southeastern Minnesota, is using its agricultural waste to heat its facilities. The farm won an innovation award for creating renewable biomass pellets that heat the greenhouses. The presentation will discuss Pork & Plants, LLC’s conversion from traditional energy sources to biomass heating. Kreidermacher will provide information on the on-farm pelleting of various forms of biomass, including native prairie and other agricultural residues, to supply the farm and greenhouse business with the energy needed to meet the yearly energy demands.
20. Harvesting, Densifying, and Storing Agricultural Biomass - Bill Belden, Prairie Lands Cooperative
Bill Belden has been actively engaged in biomass production and processing since serving as project manager for the Chariton Valley Biomass Project; where he effectively led a diverse group of team members to conduct the largest co-firing project in the nation at that time. He coordinated the activities of the Prairie Lands Bio-Products, Inc., producers who grew, harvested, stored, delivered and processed switchgrass on a scale that had never been done before. He will speak about the ins and outs of harvesting, densifying, and storing agricultural biomass.
21. CHP Challenges & Opportunities - Jeff Carter, BFC Gas & Electric
Diversity is the key to building and running a profitable biomass power plant. The most profitable and successful pig farmers joke about finding a way to use and sell “everything but the squeal.” That’s how a successful biomass plant needs to be run. Often the most profitable parts of the business tend to be different from those initially set out.
22. The Federal Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS2): Its Past, Present, and Future - Tim Slating, University of Illinois’ Energy Biosciences Institute
An overview of the RFS2 and its impacts on the demand for biomass in the U.S. Participants will gain a detailed understanding of: (1) how the RFS2’s biofuel mandates operate; (2) the current controversies surrounding cellulosic biofuel mandates; and (3) the current legislative efforts to revise the RFS2 in a feedstock-neutral manner.
23. Optimizing Switchgrass Stand Establishment and Yield - Mark Renz, UW-Madison Agronomy Department
While switchgrass has been researched extensively for 24 years as a potential biofuel, little research has been conducted on the best agronomic practices, specifically establishment practices. Switchgrass, once established is very productive and competitive with minimal inputs and scientists believe fields to maintain productivity for > 10 years, thus establishment is a critical phase in this crop. Switchgrass, however is sensitive to weed competition, as researchers have identified weed competition as the main reason for failed establishment. Low to moderate weed populations, however do not appear to influence establishment, although productivity is reduced for two to four years. This presentation will summarize the results of 4 years of experiment involving weed competition in switchgrass and provide the latest information on the level and length of weed control required to maximize establishment and productivity in establishment years.
24. Koda Energy - Todd Tolkinen, Koda Energy, LLC
Koda Energy is a CHP facility that utilizes biomass to generate the steam to produce the necessary heat and power for one of its ownership groups. This presentation will show the construction, start-up and commissioning, and some obstacles to staying operational while remaining efficient and reliable of a 23.4 megawatt biomass plant.
1. Opportunities in Thermal Biomass - T.J. Morice, Marth/BTEC
While biomass in the form of wood has been used for hundreds of years, we really re-invented it in the 1980’s with pellet fuel which unfortunately was not embraced as solidly in the United States as it was in Europe. We now have the opportunity to learn from Europe to increase our utilization of biomass fuels in general. There are a variety of energy, environmental, and economic reasons to pursue this fuel for heating applications.
2. Harvesting, Densifying, and Storing Agricultural Biomass - Bill Belden, Prairie Lands Cooperative
Bill Belden has been actively engaged in biomass production and processing since serving as project manager for the Chariton Valley Biomass Project; where he effectively led a diverse group of team members to conduct the largest co-firing project in the nation at that time. He coordinated the activities of the Prairie Lands Bio-Products, Inc., producers who grew, harvested, stored, delivered and processed switchgrass on a scale that had never been done before. He will speak about the ins and outs of harvesting, densifying, and storing agricultural biomass.
3. Mapping Bioenergy Resources at Multiple Scales - Steve Ventura, Environmental Studies and Soil Science, University of Wisconsin-Madison
An overview of three projects using geospatial techniques to provide information about bionenergy resources: 1) a statewide analysis of the location and quality of marginal lands; 2) an internet mapping site to provide maps and data relevant to biomass production and facilities; 3) a GIS-based tool for fine-scale analysis of potential ecosystem service impacts of land use changes for bioenergy cropping.
4. Managing the Biomass Supplier Value Chain - Tim Baye, Professor of Business Development, University of WI–Extension
The biomass convertor wants predictable feedstock, at lowest possible price, provided by a supplier that will satisfy the lenders due diligence requirements as a “credit worthy, legitimate vender.” The producers and aggregators want assurances of a fair price, stable orders and an economic arrangement that allows them to earn a return comparable to their other opportunities. Can these two parties find a common-ground? This session explores the buyer/seller fundamentals and practices in a bioenergy project, drawing upon lessons learned in the electrical generation industry.
5. A Future for Forest Bioenergy: Seeing Forests as a Frontier - Mike Schmidt, John Deere Forestry
By looking to the historical analysis of the development of the frontiers that propelled significant growth and transformation – including the frontier of the American West on which John Deere and our home country developed and flourished – we discover that our forests represent a rich and potentially limitless frontier. But to unlock this frontier, we must demand economic, social, and political recognition for the benefits that our forests, and those who work in them, provide us. Forest bioenergy may be the key in doing so.
6. Getting Started: What steps a facility interested in biomass energy should take - Kamalesh Doshi, Biomass Energy Resource Center
Once facility owners gets excited by the benefits of biomass, the next obvious questions they have are “Will a biomass system work for my facility? What is the best option for my facility?” Kamalesh Doshi, senior program director, will talk about how the facility owner can get answers to these questions. He will discuss important steps the facility owner needs to take. The steps will include a visit to existing biomass projects, the selection of consultants for pre-feasibility and feasibility studies, providing data to consultants, talking to potential biomass suppliers and the state agencies for permitting, grant opportunities etc. he will describe what a typical feasibility will tell you and how to use the report to take the decision to move forward.
7. Obstacles and Opportunities in Harvesting Biomass from Woodlands - Bethany Polchowski, Lambert Forest Products
In 2009 Lambert Forest Products purchased a Rotochopper MC266 Grinder to process forest slash, unmerchantable trees and construction waste. This purchase has allowed Lambert Forest Products to convert the previously wasted bi-products of the logging and/or construction industry, which commonly end up on the forest floor or in a landfill, into a product that can be utilized by co-generation plants to create energy within their facilities. The presentation will discuss the successes and trials of Lambert Forest Products’ biomass harvesting work. Different types of biomass harvesting techniques will be presented along with information about when each technique is most appropriate. The presentation will include: interviews with operators, video demonstrations of each method, examples, and discussion of frustrations encountered.
8. On Farm Biomass Pelleting for Energy Independence - Eric Kreidermacher, Pork & Plants LLC
Pork & Plants, a farm and greenhouse business in southeastern Minnesota, is using its agricultural waste to heat its facilities. The farm won an innovation award for creating renewable biomass pellets that heat the greenhouses. The presentation will discuss Pork & Plants, LLC’s conversion from traditional energy sources to biomass heating. Kreidermacher will provide information on the on-farm pelleting of various forms of biomass, including native prairie and other agricultural residues, to supply the farm and greenhouse business with the energy needed to meet the yearly energy demands.
9. Eastern Illinois University's Renewable Energy Center: A Biomass Central Heating Plant - Chad Weber, Eastern Illinois University
The existing coal-fired steam plant at Eastern Illinois University (EIU) was built in the center of the campus back in the 1920s, and has been plagued by frequent age-related failures. With university officials facing EPA permit violations, rising fuel costs, and zero capital funding from the state, Honeywell developed an innovative and affordable solution utilizing renewable energy technology to solve this mission-critical problem. The centerpiece of this $79 million project is the new Eastern Illinois University Renewable Energy Center. This new central steam plant features two 40,000 lb/hr biomass gasifier/boilers capable of meeting 100% of the annual steam load for the campus, as well as other renewable solutions including a 600 kW backpressure steam turbine and a 20 kW solar array. EIU will realize a dramatic positive environmental impact from the installed measures. The new biomass plant will reduce carbon emissions to 20% of the permitted level of the existing coal fired plant, a reduction of over 20,000 metric tons annually. The EIU and Honeywell team were determined to make the project a reality by employing creative solutions to overcome many obstacles, resulting in a sustainable solution that is both technically achievable and financially viable.
10. Keys to Building a Successful Biomass Cooperative - Steve Flick, Show Me Energy
Show Me Energy Cooperative is a farmer owned pelleting facility making pellets from native grasses and other residues in East Central Missouri. The pellets can be used in pellet stoves, burned in biomass boiler, or co-fired with coal. Show Me Energy Cooperative is prime example of energy entrepreneurism. Steve will speak on the formation and success of Show Me Energy, how other cooperatives may be modeled after Show Me and the future of biomass.
11. Production Analysis of Grass Based Energy Crops and Forest Derived Woody Biomass - Steven Bertjens, State Biologist & Patrick Dayton, Southwest Badger RC&D Council
Steven Bertjens is a State Biologist with the USDA-NRCS and serves as the agency’s Energy Team Leader for Wisconsin. Patrick Dayton is the Stewardship Forester for the Southwest Bader RC&D Council and the project manager for the study “True Cost of Harvesting Woody Biomass in the Driftless Area”. In the spring of 2010 the Southwest Badger RC&D established 25 acres of energy crop demonstrations on a farm near Fennimore. The energy crops being researched include three varieties of switchgrass, two varieties of miscanthus and two seeding rates of native prairie. In addition, the 50 acres of existing woodland on the farm were evaluated for the woody biomass available through timber stand improvement practices. This presentation will compare the cost of establishment for energy crops as well as yield results and harvesting costs. Advantages and pitfalls of each crop will be discussed including availability of markets.
12. Reflections on Developing a Municipal-Based Bioenergy Project: A SW WI Case Study - Tim Baye, Professor of Business Development, University of WI–Extension
Developing a biomass renewable energy project, in today’s environment, requires optimization of every possible factor and resource. Biomass fueled combined heat and power (CHP) offers the benefits of dispatchable energy, maximized thermal efficiency and may provide improved economic benefits, as compared to fossil fuels. This presentation will discuss the market, supply, organizational and financial considerations for evaluating and planning that were undertaken by a Southwestern Wisconsin Municipality CHP project. Participants will better understand the process and challenges involved with Public/Private BioEnergy projects.
13. Heating the Midwest: Community Scale Biomass Systems - Pamela Porter, Biomass Energy Resource Center
14. Energy Independence through Biomass - John Lundell, Energy Unlimited Inc.
Energy Unlimited Inc has been manufacturing biomass fired furnaces for over 20 years.These furnaces can replace the heat requirements from natural gas, LP gas, or coal. With the latest developments in Organic Rankin Cycle, biomass can be used to generate electricity without the need of steam generation.
15. Biomass Potential for Jobs and Energy in the Midwest - Brett Hulsey, Better Environmental Solutions
Learn about how Wisconsin and the Midwest can create regional jobs, promote cleaner energy, and sustainable agriculture by tapping its biomass potential for power and fuel.
16. Poplar Production in the United States: Economics and Potential to Address U.S. Demand for Liquid Fuels - Bill Berguson, Natural Resources Research Institute–University of Minnesota
Discussion of the current state of commercial poplar production in the United States as well as the potential to increase biomass yield through research in genetic improvement. Information on the steps involved in plantation establishment, yields and economics of the production system will be presented. The production cost of the raw material will be put in context of new technologies to produce liquid fuels. Information will be presented on the potential to produce biomass on a large scale and the scale of U.S. demand for transportation fuels.
17. A Farmer’s Perspective on Miscanthus - Eric Rund, Rund Farms/International AGtivities
Many countries in Europe have been producing, and utilizing Miscanthus for biomass energy for more than ten years. Although they are looking at large power plant projects, there are many producers growing Miscanthus for use in their communities, farms and homes. We can adapt much of what they have learned to our farms in the Midwest. Eric Rund of RUND FARMS | INTERNATIONAL AGTIVITIES produces seed corn, food grade corn, and seed beans on 775 acres in East Central Illinois. The past three years his operation has been experimenting with biomass crops. Eric traveled to Europe to learn how farmers there are producing and marketing a highly productive perennial grass Miscanthus Giganteus. What he learned has changed his focus on how we and other Midwest farmers can participate in this new market.
18. An Economically-Based System for Determining Sustainable Sources of Biomass - Spencer Parkinson, Decision Innovation Solutions
Many people have seen maps that show the biomass-producing potential of areas within the United States, but the real question is how much of it is really available? Decision Innovation Solutions has, through a private/public/non-profit partnership, produced a free online, regional (11 NE Iowa counties) system which gives potential biomass purchasers the ability to start down the path to answering this question. Our system accounts for economic, sustainability, and other important factors which inform a search for suitable locations for sourcing biomass. This session will be geared toward demonstrating the tool to the audience as well as for seeking feedback, as we are currently in the midst of making plans to expand the system to include the balance of Iowa.
19. On Farm Biomass Pelleting for Energy Independence - Eric Kreidermacher, Pork & Plants LLC
Pork & Plants, a farm and greenhouse business in southeastern Minnesota, is using its agricultural waste to heat its facilities. The farm won an innovation award for creating renewable biomass pellets that heat the greenhouses. The presentation will discuss Pork & Plants, LLC’s conversion from traditional energy sources to biomass heating. Kreidermacher will provide information on the on-farm pelleting of various forms of biomass, including native prairie and other agricultural residues, to supply the farm and greenhouse business with the energy needed to meet the yearly energy demands.
20. Harvesting, Densifying, and Storing Agricultural Biomass - Bill Belden, Prairie Lands Cooperative
Bill Belden has been actively engaged in biomass production and processing since serving as project manager for the Chariton Valley Biomass Project; where he effectively led a diverse group of team members to conduct the largest co-firing project in the nation at that time. He coordinated the activities of the Prairie Lands Bio-Products, Inc., producers who grew, harvested, stored, delivered and processed switchgrass on a scale that had never been done before. He will speak about the ins and outs of harvesting, densifying, and storing agricultural biomass.
21. CHP Challenges & Opportunities - Jeff Carter, BFC Gas & Electric
Diversity is the key to building and running a profitable biomass power plant. The most profitable and successful pig farmers joke about finding a way to use and sell “everything but the squeal.” That’s how a successful biomass plant needs to be run. Often the most profitable parts of the business tend to be different from those initially set out.
22. The Federal Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS2): Its Past, Present, and Future - Tim Slating, University of Illinois’ Energy Biosciences Institute
An overview of the RFS2 and its impacts on the demand for biomass in the U.S. Participants will gain a detailed understanding of: (1) how the RFS2’s biofuel mandates operate; (2) the current controversies surrounding cellulosic biofuel mandates; and (3) the current legislative efforts to revise the RFS2 in a feedstock-neutral manner.
23. Optimizing Switchgrass Stand Establishment and Yield - Mark Renz, UW-Madison Agronomy Department
While switchgrass has been researched extensively for 24 years as a potential biofuel, little research has been conducted on the best agronomic practices, specifically establishment practices. Switchgrass, once established is very productive and competitive with minimal inputs and scientists believe fields to maintain productivity for > 10 years, thus establishment is a critical phase in this crop. Switchgrass, however is sensitive to weed competition, as researchers have identified weed competition as the main reason for failed establishment. Low to moderate weed populations, however do not appear to influence establishment, although productivity is reduced for two to four years. This presentation will summarize the results of 4 years of experiment involving weed competition in switchgrass and provide the latest information on the level and length of weed control required to maximize establishment and productivity in establishment years.
24. Koda Energy - Todd Tolkinen, Koda Energy, LLC
Koda Energy is a CHP facility that utilizes biomass to generate the steam to produce the necessary heat and power for one of its ownership groups. This presentation will show the construction, start-up and commissioning, and some obstacles to staying operational while remaining efficient and reliable of a 23.4 megawatt biomass plant.
