August Koch ENV News Midpoint Post

1."Possible quote about rising propane heating prices (Still waiting on this interview)".  This winter has seen an unprecedented rise in heating costs in Vermont, largely caused by a propane shortage.   A new initiative is calling for collaboration with the Upper Austrian State to promote biomass heating technology. Vermont has large masses of forested area that can be harvested sustainably, a unique benefit. Many residents of the state are skeptical though, leading to significant opposition.  Biomass heating is a growing and diversifying field that may revolutionize Vermont’s heating portfolio.  Could this new collaboration spell the end of unstable heating supplies if concerns can be adressed?

2. Main points
• Basics of biomass incineration
• Alternative methods: compost heat recovery
• Basics of the collaboration
• Progress made so far
• Current state of Vermont heating/energy
• Propane shortage in detail
• Some cost benefit analysis
• Outline challenges
• Views of opponents
• Potential/ideal outcomes


3.

http://www.energyjustice.net/biomass
Graph that shows carbon emissions from biomass energy production; all biogenic rather than fossil, but relatively high compared to traditional fuels

http://teeic.anl.gov/er/biomass/restech/dist/index.cfm
show areas/amounts/types of biomass available for energy production

http://smallfarms.cornell.edu/2012/10/01/compost-power/
Images detailing the workings of compost heat recovery systems, a newer and exciting technology option for biomass heating

http://www.rhc-platform.org/fileadmin/user_upload/Structure/Biomass/Picture/wood_pellets_EREC.jpg

Biomass heating pellets for incineration