Biomass
Biomass energy is typically generated by combusting biological "biomass" materials, such as plants, but
also includes the combustion of landfill waste, landfill gases, and alcohols produced from plant
fermentation. The combustion reaction can heat water to produce steam, which then turns a
turbine, among other methods to acquire the biomass energy.
also includes the combustion of landfill waste, landfill gases, and alcohols produced from plant
fermentation. The combustion reaction can heat water to produce steam, which then turns a
turbine, among other methods to acquire the biomass energy.
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Biomass Energy in Idaho
Biomass may be one of the least understood of the renewable energy resources in part because there are so many different kinds of fuels. Generally, they can range from generators powered by burning timber waste or other agricultural products to anaerobic digesters that convert dairy waste into electricity-producing gas. The Office of Energy Resources estimates biomass in its various forms could provide 9 percent of the state’s electricity needs.
Utility-scale biomass generators are beginning to catch on. Idaho Power this year signed contracts with three dairy digester generators and has an application before the Public Utilities for a fourth. The PUC recently approved an Idaho Power contract with the 10MW Yellowstone Power biomass project at the Emerald Forest Sawmill in Emmett. In approving that contract between Idaho Power and Dick Vinson of Thompson Falls, MT, the PUC said the combined heat and power project will generate electricity using steam that’s created while burning woody biomass at the mill. Commissioners said the biomass project will provide “steady, predictable generation for Idaho Power around the clock” and called the plant a “valuable addition to help diversify Idaho Power’s resource portfolio.”
The Office of Energy Resources is actively promoting biomass development in Idaho in partnership with the Idaho National Laboratory and other agencies. Those who are concerned about large-scale biomass development say caution must be given to the amount of energy used to produce the electricity, emissions from some biomass generators, and the sustainability of some biomass feedstocks, including wood.
Utility-scale biomass generators are beginning to catch on. Idaho Power this year signed contracts with three dairy digester generators and has an application before the Public Utilities for a fourth. The PUC recently approved an Idaho Power contract with the 10MW Yellowstone Power biomass project at the Emerald Forest Sawmill in Emmett. In approving that contract between Idaho Power and Dick Vinson of Thompson Falls, MT, the PUC said the combined heat and power project will generate electricity using steam that’s created while burning woody biomass at the mill. Commissioners said the biomass project will provide “steady, predictable generation for Idaho Power around the clock” and called the plant a “valuable addition to help diversify Idaho Power’s resource portfolio.”
The Office of Energy Resources is actively promoting biomass development in Idaho in partnership with the Idaho National Laboratory and other agencies. Those who are concerned about large-scale biomass development say caution must be given to the amount of energy used to produce the electricity, emissions from some biomass generators, and the sustainability of some biomass feedstocks, including wood.
Biomass Potential in Idaho
