Category Archives: studies

[NEWS] Tucson, Arizona Looking at Biomass Power Generation

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– by David Wichner, July 2, 2018, Arizona Daily Star

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Photo: Jake Bacon / Arizona Daily Sun

After boosting its solar power generation and adding wind-energy projects in recent years, Tucson Electric Power Co. is looking at biomass generation from burning wood or other organic matter.

TEP said Friday that it is seeking information about forest biomass generation systems that could generate power for customers while improving the health of Arizona forests.

The utility issued a request for information about technologies, costs, environmental benefits, construction requirements and interconnection requirements of forest biomass energy projects.

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[NEWS] Impact of Closing Minnesota Biomass Power Facility Revealed

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– February 19, 2018, Bioenergy Insight

Benson-Power_Swift-County-Monitor

Photo: Swift County Monitor

A recently published study from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) has revealed the economic impact of closing a biomass power plant in the state.

In spring 2017 the Minnesota state legislature passed a law allowing Xcel Energy to buy and then shutdown Benson Power, a 50mW biomass facility that uses a mixture of poultry litter and wood to generate electricity. When announcing the closure, the legislature also directed DEED to carry out a study on the economic impact, state-wide, of closing the facility.

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SURVEY: Wood Smoke Activist Experience And Perception Study

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– by Dr. Michael Mehta, Thompson Rivers University

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Photo: Science Nordic

This study will explore how wood smoke activists from around the world have engaged in advocacy work to improve local air quality.

SURVEY LINK: https://www.surveymonkey.ca/r/wood_smoke_activists

This research will provide such individuals with a comprehensive review of their situation and how it differs from others.

The research also expands on social movements research by examining a new and emerging class of actors who have been relatively ignored in the social science literature.

You must be at least 18 years of age to participate in this study.

The study is being performed by Dr. Michael Mehta at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada. Dr. Mehta is a Professor of Geography and Environmental Studies, and he is cross-listed with the Department of Sociology and Anthropology. He can be reached by email at mmehta@tru.ca or by telephone at (250) 852-7275 for any questions that you may have about this study.

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[NEWS] Arizona Study Proposes Development of New Biomass Energy Facilities

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– by Trudy Balcom, December 15, 2017, White Mountain Independent

5a32d2a48a7b9.imageArizona Public Service has released a preliminary study for greater inclusion of biomass in its energy portfolio — something that could have a positive impact on forest industry and wildfire prevention.

The 90-day study was completed and presented to the Arizona Corporation Commission on Dec. 5.

APS, who serves 1.2 million customers statewide and part of the White Mountains, was required to complete the study in order to secure approval from the Commission for a rate increase for APS customers. The increase will allow the utility to collect an additional $95 million in revenues.

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[WINTER 2017/2018] Inside the EPA-Certified Wood Stove Debate

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To access this issue, please subscribe to quarterly issues of The Biomass Monitor. 

[WINTER 2017/2018] Inside the EPA-Certified Wood Stove Debate

FEATURE ARTICLE: Can EPA Wood Stoves Cut Indoor Air Pollution?

OPINION (PRO): EPA Wood Stoves Reduce Air Emissions

OPINION (CON): EPA Wood Stoves Still Pollute

[NEWS] 16% of All Deaths Worldwide Caused by Air and Water Pollution

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– October 23, 2017, Global Construction Review

x846s1.jpg.pagespeed.ic.a4G0OSddmNA commission set up by British medical journal The Lancet has published a report on the global impact of pollution on the health of populations and the output of their economies. This finds that pollution was responsible for 9 million premature deaths in 2015, and 16% of all deaths worldwide.

Overall, pollution was responsible for three times as many deaths as HIV, tuberculosis and malaria combined, and 15 times more deaths than war and other forms of violence. In economic terms, it reduced GDP in low and middle-income countries by up to 2% a year and accounted for 1.7% of annual health spending in high-income countries. Welfare losses due to pollution are estimated to amount to $4.6 trillion per year, or 6.2% of global economic output.

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[NEWS] Study: Economically Unfeasible to Switch U.S. Coal-Fired Plants to Biomass Without Subsidies

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– by Olivia Adams, October 15, 2017, The Red and Black

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Photo: Fast Company

Wood pellets used for biomass energy, an alternative to fossil fuels, are produced right outside of Athens, but do not expect to see biomass energy adopted here. Those pellets are shipped straight to Europe, and new University of Georgia research shows why.

“With global warming, we really want to reduce carbon emissions,” said Dr. Richard Bin Mei, co-author of a study on biomass-produced electricity. “In the United States, unfortunately, we do not have the mandate or government subsidies, so our study looked at whether it is economically feasible to co-fire wood pellets with coal to produce power, and the answer is no, unless the government does the same thing as the EU.”

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