Biomass is a strategic resource currently comprising only a small portion of the domestic energy in the United States. Increasing the use of biomass can decrease our dependence on foreign oil, improve rural economies, add value to farming operations of all sizes, improve the environment, increase energy sustainability, and create energy security for local communities and the nation.
Areas of EERC Expertise
- Characterization and analysis of any type of biomass, including wood residue, rice straw, switchgrass, wheat straw, forest and wood residues, agricultural residues, energy crops, and municipal solid waste.
- Assessment of biomass resources and determination of annual biomass tonnage available.
- Identification of feedstocks and long-term supply.
- Cost and benefit assessment: tax credits, emission credits, green power incentives, and fuel cost savings.
Biomass Feedstock Assessment
The EERC worked with the North Dakota Forest Service (NDFS) under the U.S. Forest Service National Fire Plan to complete a resource assessment, market assessment, and outreach. The project resulted in a full assessment of North Dakota's biomass resources. The overall goal of the project was to mitigate the risk of fire in North Dakota by identifying the opportunities for biomass utilization through local energy and product markets.
More on This Project
