DECEMBER 30, 2008 - Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth (DeLEG) Director Skip Pruss announced today that a $114,000 grant was awarded to Michigan State University (MSU) to conduct a statewide biomass feedstock inventory of the type, supply, location, and energy potential of biomass sources.
"This grant demonstrates Michigan's ongoing commitment to developing alternative energy sources as a means of reducing our fossil fuel dependence and growing the state economy," Pruss said. "This inventory will be a valuable tool for businesses and communities to identify areas that have a high potential for sustainable biomass energy production. By compiling this information and having it electronically accessible, we can accelerate development of a renewable energy industry in the state of Michigan."
Biomass is defined as any organic matter that is available on a renewable basis through natural processes or as a byproduct of human activity such as: agricultural crops and crop residues, animal manure, wood and wood waste, municipal solid waste, etc. Through a variety of different conversion technologies, it can be used in the production of electricity, biogas, cellulosic ethanol and a number of valuable byproducts.
This study will have the added benefit of creating an online Geographic Information System (GIS) map through which businesses and other interested parties can locate the quantity of available biomass for energy production. The map will also takes into account key supply constraints which increases its effectiveness as a tool in the decision making process.
With additional grant funds from the Michigan Energy Office, MSU is also carrying out a project which identifies farms and other sites with strong potential for the installation of anaerobic digesters and energy recovery systems. This project will provide data which supports many of the goals outlined in the feedstock study. Both projects are scheduled to be completed in the summer of 2009.
The Michigan Energy Office in the Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth promotes energy efficiency and renewable energy resource development to Michigan's residents, businesses, and public institutions.
Contact: Dr. Steve Safferman, Michigan State University (517) 432-0812 safferma@msu.edu
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