SERVICES
TECHNOLOGY
INFORMATION
Biomass and BERC: A Briefing
What is biomass?
Biomass is any biological material that can be used as fuel. Biomass fuel is burned or converted in systems that produce heat, electricity, or both heat and power.
Wood chips and other low-grade wood wastes are the major type of biomass fuel. Other common biomass fuel sources are agricultural crop residues and farm animal wastes.
Hundreds of biomass fuel systems are currently at work in different parts of the U.S., heating schools, government complexes, and entire city downtowns, as well as producing renewable electricity.
Why use biomass for energy?
Biomass is a renewable fuel that can be sustainably produced. It makes sense to use biomass in place of conventional, nonrenewable fuels - oil, gas, and coal - for several good reasons:
- Biomass fuel is a local product. In contrast to coal or petroleum-based fuel, biomass is grown and harvested on local and regional forests and farms. Energy dollars spent on biomass fuel stay in the regional economy, creating jobs and supporting forestry and agriculture.
- Biomass fuel prices are generally lower and more stable. Compared to fossil fuels, biomass fuels are historically lower-priced. Also, biomass fuel prices have increased by only about 1 percent per year over the past 20 years.
- Biomass energy is good for the environment. Using biomass in place of fossil fuel reduces the atmospheric buildup of greenhouse gases, which cause climate change, and can also reduce the levels of gases that cause acid rain. Biomass energy systems also help keep forests healthy by providing a market for low-grade "cull" wood, whose removal improves the well-being of the forest and the value of commercial trees.
What is the Biomass Energy Resource Center?
The Biomass Energy Resource Center, BERC, is an independent, nonprofit organization that assists in the development of biomass energy projects. As an unbiased, experienced partner, we help communities, schools and colleges, state and local governments, businesses, utilities, and others make the most of their local energy resources.
How does BERC work with project partners?
BERC staff and consultants work step by step with partners in assessing and developing a biomass energy project. BERC can help:
- Take a first look at a potential project, to find out if it is feasible and, if so, how it might be structured.
- Put the project together, providing guidance to stakeholders in preliminary design and setting up the project structure.
- Carry out preliminary feasibility studies, and write requests for proposals to find the right technical, engineering, and design resources.
- Help finance the project in the best possible way, through grants, loans, and/or nontraditional financing.
- Help owners and stakeholders analyze the options and come to a "go/no go" decision.
- Manage the project during construction, and carry out commissioning to make sure the new system is working properly.
- Secure a reliable fuel supply, at a fair price.
BERC also joins in broader initiatives that promote the use, understanding, and advancement of biomass energy:
- We work with state and federal agencies to develop broad biomass-energy initiatives, such as Fuels for Schools, and to carry out renewable energy policies.
- We assist in commercializing new, promising biomass technologies, such as gasifiers and improved farm methane systems.