Developing Local Biomass Energy

     By way of introduction, my name is Tony Nekut , I live and work in Ithaca, NY, and my vocation is engineering. I became interested in biomass energy a few years ago when I bought some forest property and started heating my home with wood. I serve on the steering committees of two local groups that promote local biomass energy development: Danby Land Bank Cooperative and Community Biomass Energy .  These websites describe the groups’ missions and list the expected benefits of pursuing local biomass energy development.
      As an engineer, I tend to think about the problem of creating local biomass energy infrastructure from a systems point of view. The supply chain involves a number of links which need to be forged and connected for the whole system to work. To some extent, the links representing raw biomass supplies, biomass processing, and processed biomass fuel markets already exist, but they need to be strengthened and expanded. Currently, firewood is the only commonly available biomass fuel that is locally produced and consumed.
     Technology has an important role to play in modernizing what has been a relative backwater. There are opportunities for innovation along the entire local biomass energy supply chain. Technology can improve biomass crop productivity, increase harvest, processing, transport and combustion efficiencies, and make biomass energy more convenient for end users. Expect more discussion of this topic in my future contributions.
     Low fossil fuel prices have been the main obstacle impeding market driven innovation. It seems clear to me that anyone who is concerned about the negative consequences of continued massive consumption of fossil fuels should voice their support for strong policies, such as a carbon tax, that place penalties on atmospheric carbon emissions.

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