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Biomass
Biomass is defined as organic matter that is available on a renewable or recurring basis. A biomass system converts plant or animal wastes into energy. The State Energy Program represents the state of Utah for the Western Regional Biomass Energy Program and provides technical assistance and partnering to entities submitting proposals for federal energy-related biomass grants. The State Energy Program in conjunction with Utah State University's Agriculture Extension Service provides assistance to Utah farmers and ranchers for reducing their energy costs. Utah Biomass ProjectsUtah State University - Using a "Biodigester" "Utah State University will receive a federal grant of $761,385 as part of $23 million awarded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Energy in a Joint Biomass Research and Development Initiative. The Utah State project is for research and demonstration of an anaerobic system on a large dairy farm. The joint grant program is part of the Bush Administration's effort to increase energy independence through the development of additional renewable energy resources from the agricultural and agroforestry sectors. Biomass is defined as organic matter that is available on a renewable or recurring basis. A total of 19 projects will receive program grants." Salt Lake City Landfill New Power Plant for Hill Air Force Base The power plant -- the first of its kind to be built on an Air Force installation -- is part of a program initiated by the U.S. Department of Energy to reduce energy use, manage utility costs and promote renewable energy at federal facilities by using biomass and alternative methane energy sources. This new facility will save approximately $600,000 per year on energy costs at the base, officials said. Capital investment is funded from the private sector and will not require upfront government funding. The contractor for the facility is Exelon Services Federal Group of Knoxville, Tenn. -- Dawn House, |