BioBelt Could Be Wisconsin\u2019s Future
\nBy converting its energy-rich organic wastes into heat and electricity, Wisconsin could become the capital of the Midwestern BioBelt. That is the assessment of bioenergy experts who are planning the Renewable Energy from Organics Recycling conference at the Madison Marriott West from September 12 through September 14.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cBlessing is not a term we usually apply to waste. However, in this case, Wisconsin is indeed blessed with the raw materials necessary to become a major producer of power from organics,\u201d according to Larry Krom, one of the scheduled speakers and a bioenergy program manager for Focus on Energy, a conference sponsor.
\nTo open the conference, Wisconsin Ag Secretary Rod Nilsestuen will present a green and growing agricultural vision for renewable energy in Midwest states.
\nThe conference will detail emerging technologies that can produce electricity and fuels from manure, cheese whey, landfill gas, wood waste, and other organic materials.
\n\u201cPeople at the conference will find the latest information to help them get projects up and running successfully,\u201d said Don Wichert, Renewable Energy Program Director of Focus on Energy, the state\u2019s program for technical and financial assistance for energy efficiency and renewables.
\n\u201cThe conference will highlight speakers who are actively building the industry,\u201d he added, \u201cas well as building projects in Wisconsin.\u201d
\nThe conference will cover production of electricity from methane on dairy farms, wood and crop waste conversion for heat and power, cofiring power plants with switch grass, ethanol and biodiesel production, and gas recovery from landfills.
\nWednesday, September 14, features tours to a dairy with a German-designed anaerobic digester, a start-up ethanol plant, and a landfill biogas-to-electricity installation.
\n\u201cFinancing will be the key to unlocking the power in organic wastes. One conference session will delve into sources and the mechanics of financing bioenergy projects,\u201d stated Michael Vickerman, executive director of RENEW Wisconsin, a statewide nonprofit that promotes sustainable energy strategies.
\nThe US Department of Agriculture offers competitive grants, which will be discussed, and Focus on Energy offers a variety of incentives to help finance the installation of biomass and other renewable energy systems, including grants, Cash-Back Rewards, and zero interest loans.
\nFocus on Energy awards implementation grants of up to $80,000, or no more than 30 percent of the project cost, for biogas digesters and non-residential wood burning systems that produce both electricity and utilize thermal energy..
\nMore information about Focus on Energy financial incentives and its Renewable Energy Program is available at 800.762.7077 or focusonenergy.com.
\nBioCycle magazine, the primary conference sponsor, publishes articles on using organic residuals to maximum advantage \u2013 from improving the health of soils and crops to producing renewable energy in the form of methane and alcohol fuels. The magazine maintains a Web site at www.jgpress.com\/biocycle.htm.
\nA full conference program and online registration are available at the BioCycle Web site at http:\/\/www.jgpress.com\/conferences1\/conferences1.html. Conference programs are also available from Focus on Energy by calling its toll-free number, 800.762.7077.
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\nRENEW Wisconsin
\nRENEW Wisconsin is an independent, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that acts as a catalyst to advance a sustainable energy future through public policy and private sector initiatives. RENEW is a member of the Wisconsin Renewable Energy Network, a subcontractor to Focus on Energy. Visit RENEW at www.renewwisconsin.org or e-mail Michael Vickerman at: mvickerman@renewwisconsin.org.
\nFocus on Energy Renewable Energy Program
\nFocus on Energy is a public-private partnership that provides energy efficiency and renewable energy information and services to the state’s energy utility customers. Focus on Energy’s Renewable Energy program seeks to raise awareness, provide training and financing, enhance marketing, promote technical assistance, and support the installation of renewable energy technologies across Wisconsin. Focus on Energy provides applications, with full program details, at 800.762.7077 or at focusonenergy.com.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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