Initiative Funds UM College of Technology Project On Benefits Of Bioenergy

A University of Montana College of Technology project is one of 11 selected to receive funding from the Biomass Research and Development Initiative, a joint effort of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Department of Energy.

The agencies received 670 applications for a total of $12.6 million to fund projects that help develop renewable energy resources and expand markets for agricultural products.

The nearly $1 million awarded to COT will support the "Biopower Demonstration and Education Outreach Project."

The goal of the project is to create awareness of the environmental and economic benefits of bioenergy through educational and research programs and a series of outreach initiatives that aim to expand the use of the technology.

The project uses state-of-the-art, portable and versatile equipment designed to convert a wide variety of biomass substances, such as agricultural residues and small-diameter wood slash, into a hydrogen-rich gas. The gas is used to fuel a 25-kilowatt power generator, and the electricity and waste heat produced by the generator help to heat and power the COT campus.

"Biomass and bioenergy have the potential to make significant contributions to our nation’s energy supply," said Brian Kerns, COT’s principal investigator for the project. "This project will help establish The University of Montana and the College of Technology as leaders in an effort to prove the technology and to train students in its application."

An on-site demonstration also is planned in conjunction with forest-thinning operations and the waste slash produced, Kerns said.

Paul Williamson, dean of the COT, said the college is well-positioned to work with forward-thinking business and agency partners to be an integral part of the energy future.

"This project opens new opportunities for the University to implement innovative and collaborative strategies with area forest, lumber and energy stakeholders," he said. "The very practical, hands-on approach addresses the energy crisis, advances technology, prepares a new workforce for tomorrow and puts Montana on the leading edge of alternative energy development."

Contact: Paul Williamson, dean, UM College of Technology, (406) 243-7851, [email protected], or Brian Kerns, project manager, (406) 243-7693, [email protected].

http://news.umt.edu/index.asp?sec=1&too=100&eve=8&dat=10/19/2005&npa=942