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CHARITON VALLEY BIOMASS PROJECT:
The Chariton Valley Biomass Project was a joint DOE-USDA project under the Biomass Power for Rural Development Program awarded in 1996. The project's goal was to prove the technical feasibility of growing a dedicated energy crop, in this case switchgrass, and processing it for delivery to co-fire with Powder River Basin coal in a T-fired pulverized coal boiler.
The technical and operational accomplishments included:
--Air quality permitting approved by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources for a 5% switchgrass co-fire mix in a commercial operation
--Fly Ash market approval by the Iowa Department of Transportation with up to 5% switchgrass co-fire mix.
--Environmental air quality attributes quantified
A biomass processing system proven to perform 24/7; producer managed and staffed operations proven
Draft fuel supply contract crafted with a producer group
The economic gap of burning switchgrass with coal to produce electricity is moving closer to reality with an increased regulatory climate, cost of transportation and favorable agriculture policy. |
