Links

Below is a compilation of videos and audio files that highlight the use of biomass for thermal energy as well as links to other organizations related to biomass thermal energy.

Videos

Middlebury College Biomass Plant
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbO_AP2-sTE
A short virtual tour of Middlebury College's biomass plant, which opened in January 2009. (Courtesy of Middlebury College)

Vermont Sustainable Heating Initiative - Interview with Jessie-Ruth Corkins, Founder
http://vimeo.com/1987910
"Jessie-Ruth is the core leader of the Vermont Sustainable Heating Initiative (VSHI). In 2004, Jessie-Ruth rose to a teacher's challenge to create an energy conservation plan; her proposal to transition the school's oil boiler to a woodchip boiler fueled by local products was adopted by the school board."

Audio

Montpelier Biomass Project Sets Example
http://www.vpr.net/flash/audio_player/audio_player.php?id=30583
The city of Montpelier, VT hopes to heat and help power 176 buildings, including the State Capitol, with wood chips. Vermont Public Radio examines the project and interviews Chris Recchia, BTEC Director and Executive Director of the Biomass Energy Resource Center.
Read the article >>

Biomass Thermal Heats Up
http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/podcast/play/biomass-thermal-heats-up
Podcast on biomass thermal energy featuring BTEC Chairman Charlie Niebling.
Read the article >>

Organizations

25 x '25 Initiative
http://www.25x25.org
“’25x'25’ is a rallying cry for renewable energy and a goal for America – to get 25 percent of our energy from renewable resources like wind, solar, and biofuels by the year 2025.”

Ag Biomass Council
http://www.agbiocouncil.org/
“The Ag Biomass Council provides knowledge regarding the practical application and utilization of biomass conversion systems based on sound agronomics and environmental science.”

American Council on Renewable Energy
http://www.acore.org
"ACORE is an organization of member companies and institutions that are dedicated to moving renewable energy into the mainstream of America’s economy, ensuring the success of the renewable energy industry while helping to build a sustainable and independent energy future for the nation."

Biomass Energy Research Association
http://www.beraonline.org
“BERA is an association of bioenergy researchers, companies, and advocates that promotes education and research on renewable biomass energy and waste-to-energy systems.“

Biomass Energy Resource Center
http://www.biomasscenter.org
“BERC seeks to achieve a healthier environment, strengthen local economies, and increase energy security across the United States through the development of sustainable biomass energy systems at the community level.”

Biomass Research & Development Initiative - U.S. Department of Energy
http://www.brdisolutions.com/
“The Biomass Research and Development Initiative (BRDI) is the multi-agency effort to coordinate and accelerate all Federal biobased products and bioenergy research and development.”

Council on Sustainable Biomass Production
http://www.csbp.org/
“The Council on Sustainable Biomass Production (CSBP) is a multi-stakeholder group developing voluntary biomass to biofuel sustainability principles and standards for the production of feedstocks for second generation refineries (feedstocks for cellulosic refineries).”

Environmental and Energy Study Institute: Sustainable Biomass and Energy Program
http://www.eesi.org/Sustainable_Biomass_Energy_Program
“EESI seeks to educate policymakers about the potential economic development, energy security, and environmental benefits of sustainably tapping the country’s abundant biomass resources.”

European Biomass Association
http://www.aebiom.org/
“The European Biomass Association is a non profit Brussels based international organization whose mission is to represent bioenergy at EU level.”

European Biomass Industry Association
http://www.eubia.org/
“EUBIA groups together market forces, technology providers, and knowledge centers, all of them active in the field of biomass.”

European Renewable Energy Council
http://www.erec.org/
“The European Renewable Energy Council (EREC) is the umbrella organization of the European renewable energy industry, trade and research associations active in the sectors of bioenergy, geothermal, ocean, small hydropower, solar electricity, solar thermal and wind energy.”

Interstate Renewable Energy Council
http://www.irecusa.org/
“IREC, formed in 1982 as a non-profit organization, supports market-oriented services targeted at education, coordination, procurement, the adoption and implementation of uniform guidelines and standards, workforce development, and consumer protection.”

National Renewable Energy Laboratory
http://www.nrel.gov/biomass/
“NREL is working to develop cost effective, environmentally friendly biomass conversion technologies to reduce our nation's dependence on foreign oil, improve our air quality, and support rural economies.”

The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy's Biomass Program
http://www1.eere.energy.gov/biomass/
“The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy's Biomass Program works with industry, academia, and national laboratory partners on a balanced portfolio of research in biomass feedstocks and conversion technologies.”

Pellet Fuels Institute
http://www.pelletheat.org
“The Pellet Fuels Institute is a non-profit association that serves the pellet industry, which is comprised of pellet mills, pellet appliance manufacturers, and industry suppliers. The Institute active in educating consumers about the convenience and practicality of using wood pellet fuel in both residential and commercial applications.”

Pinchot Institute for Conservation
http://www.pinchot.org/
“The mission of the Pinchot Institute is to advance conservation and sustainable natural resource management by developing innovative, practical, and broadly-supported solutions to conservation challenges and opportunities.”

UN Foundation Bioenergy Initiative
http://www.unfoundation.org/global-issues/climate-and-energy/international-bioenergy-initiative/
"Our International Bioenergy Initiative (IBI) advances environmentally and economically sustainable strategies for harnessing biomass energy in ways that don't reduce fuel supplies."