News stories tagged with "biomass"

(06/02/10) While the debate rages over pollution of outdoor wood boilers, a new generation of wood heat systems is already being rolled out.

Scientists and manufacturers say so-called "wood gasification" boilers burn much more efficiently with far less smoke and ash. A new, state-of-the-art boiler is now on-line at the Wild Center in Tupper Lake, burning wood pellets produced in Massena.

As Brian Mann reports, the manufacturer hopes to sell similar systems to businesses and government offices across the North Country.

(02/18/10) When Congress approved production tax credits for renewable energy, not every industry got the same treatment. Biomass power is not getting the subsidies that other alternative energy sources get. Lester Graham reports. more

(10/01/09) There are a growing number of proposals to build wood-burning biomass power plants in the Northeast. Some environmentalists say wood can be a renewable low-carbon fuel. But others aren't convinced. As part of a collaboration with public radio stations in the Northeast, WNPR's Nancy Cohen reports.

(07/14/09) Congress could wrap up a huge energy bill by this fall. It could include a minimum renewable energy standard for utilities. That'd mean more wind and solar-generated power. Shawn Allee reports biomass could get a boost, too.

(09/12/08) High heating fuel prices, especially home heating oil prices, are adding urgency to routine preparations for winter. Counties and communities are trying to get ahead of what's expected to be a very tough winter. Jeff Loomis of Energy Answers in Massena, has been conducting energy audits since 1983. His business now is primarily energy conservation, wood pellets, wood gasification. He's the keynote speaker at a a one day heating and energy fair at SUNY Canton from 1 to 5 tomorrow. He told David Sommerstein he hopes to help people struggling with some very practical decisions.

(08/12/08) The price of oil has been going down lately, but people are still worried about heating their homes this winter. The skyrocketing prices of oil and natural gas are fueling a run on pellet stoves. A winter's heat from pellet stoves can cost half of that from an oil furnace. Dealers across the North Country report they can't keep up with demand. The pellets themselves are made from wood scraps at factories across North America. But alternative energy and agricultural leaders believe high prices are hastening the day when pellets are made from grass. And they hope that grass will be grown right here in the North Country. David Sommerstein reports.