July 2016 Newsletter

Given that it is already July, it would seem an odd time to be talking about the development of HTM’s 2016 Operating Plan. However, with HTM’s recent formalization under 501(c)(3) status, updating the Operating Plan has been central to these efforts to reaffirm HTM’s goals, direction, mission and commitment to its broad vision for 2016 and beyond. The Plan will be available for viewing on HTM’s website in August.
To propel this vision, which was initially outlined through the publishing of “A Midwest Biomass Vision” in 2013. HTM has developed priorities and activities that center around connecting the Midwest region for biomass thermal heating interests. HTM is supported by a highly engaged steering committee, an executive committee, three action teams, a conference committee as well as by HTM’s more than 800 registered supporters.  As you should be aware, HTM does not charge dues to be a member and is open to anyone who wants to participate.  Funding is generated primarily through the HTM annual conference and through public donations.  For this reason it is very important for everyone to support the HTM conference through registrations, vendor displays, and sponsorships.  If you are unable to participate in the conference, but wish to support HTM, please consider a donation.  Also, please promote the conference and HTM as a whole through your extended networks of like-minded colleagues.
HTM has been years in the making, but this past year has been pivotal for our growth through formalizing as a 501(c)(3) and through the contracting of management assistance and action team facilitation services with the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI).  We are now stronger than ever and well poised to engage our mission/vision on a high level.  All we need now is for our supporters to stay highly engaged to carry out our goals as outlined in the HTM 2016 Operating Plan.
Chris Wiberg
Registration is now open for attendees, sponsors and exhibitors. Learn more: https://heatingthemidwest.org/conferences/2016-conference-expo/
HTM 5th Conference & Expo (Fall 2016) – Opportunity to Get Involved!
Are you interested in getting more involved in biomass thermal energy? The 5th Annual Heating the Midwest Conference & Expo will be held October 11-13, 2016 near Escanaba, MI, and planning is underway!
We welcome your insight and energy to make next year’s event the best yet! We are holding monthly meetings, and have subcommittees established. For more information on how you can get involved in the planning committee or a subcommittee, please contact the respective chair noted below for your area of interest:
Heating the Midwest Conference & Expo Co-Hosts
Consider becoming a co-host for the 5th Annual Heating the Midwest with Renewable Biomass Conference and Expo! The event brings together leaders in the biomass/thermal/renewable energy industry to discuss and formulate strategies for expanding the use of biomass in the Midwest. The program includes important regional topics and the expo provides opportunities to view equipment and meet new industry partners. This year’s conference will be held October 11-13, 2016, at the Island Resort and Casino in Harris, MI (near Escanaba).
How can you help?
Co-hosts agree to promote this year’s conference through website listing, newsletter articles and outreach to their constituents.
What do you receive for being a co-host?
  • A table top where you can display and promote your organization if you attend the conference.
  • We will promote and list your organization through many forms of media before, during and after the conference.
  • The early bird registration rate applies to you and any members of your organization regardless of when they sign up to attend.
  • Your organization will be recognized by a large audience with similar ambitions and interests.
We appreciate your consideration. More conference information can be found here:https://heatingthemidwest.org/conferences/2016-conference-expo/
Please contact Ann for more information or to sign up as a co-host-
asarnecki@fs.fed.us | 608-231-9506
NE CERT Sneak Peek Tour of NRRI’s Coleraine Lab 

Join Northeast Clean Energy Resource Teams (NE CERT) for a sneak peek tour of in-progress clean energy projects at Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI)’s Coleraine Lab. During our tour, we’ll learn more about this living laboratory of renewable energy! There will be ample time for Q&A throughout the tour.
We’ll visit the boiler/generator they’re working on with Xcel Energy. And we’ll learn about the process of producing bio-coal (12 tons a day!):
* production of torrefied biofuels production using the rotary kiln technology
* Learn about the reactor and generator (a project with Xcel Energy) that is in the design and fabrication stage (not yet installed)
IS WOODY BIOMASS ENERGY RIGHT FOR YOU?
Using Feasibility Studies & Life Cycle Analyses to Explore Your Options
A free webinar on Wednesday, July 27, 2016 from 1:00-2:00 pm EDT
REGISTER NOW:
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6061167075681852161
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with more details.This free discussion will provide an introduction to the key components and process for performing a life cycle cost analysis (LCCA) based feasibility study for a woody biomass energy system. First, the webinar will examine the use of LCCA feasibility studies for considering changes to an energy system, then case studies will be presented for two facilities that used this type of evaluation to decide to implement biomass systems. Finally, webinar participants will be able to ask the facility owners and biomass consultants questions about the specific projects and life cycle cost analysis approaches.
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Featured Case Studies:
Georgia State Prison Complex
Holderness School Biomass District Heating Project
Menominee Tribal Enterprises Biomass District Energy Project

For more details, please visit:
International Training Seminar
 
Biomass Heating-Market development and technologies
SRP to Test Burning Forest Debris at Coal Plant
Salt River Project is exploring the feasibility of using forest debris as a supplemental fuel at its Coronado Generating Station (CGS) in St. Johns, Ariz., to improve the health of Arizona’s forests and watersheds.
Woodlands Mechanical Harvesting Demo
 
Joint project between Upper Verde River Watershed Protection Coalition and Arizona State Forestry to identify novel cost effective methods of implementing grassland restoration projects.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVwL07ZkUPI&feature=youtu.be

 
Register Today for an Amazing Opportunity!
Register for a 10 Week Hydronic-Based Biomass Heating Systems Course.
BTEC submits comments on biomass heating technologies and fuels
In late June, the Biomass Thermal Energy Council (BTEC) submitted comments on the Massachusetts Alternative Portfolio Standard Draft Regulations pertaining to biomass heating technologies and fuels. A few of the BTEC member organizations that worked together to help draft the document and submitted their own comments were the Maine Pellet Fuels Institute, Viessmann USA, DCM Logic and Wilson Engineering Services. Many areas of the proposed Massachusetts regulations refer to or echo regulations developed by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).
BTEC’s comments were crafted to reflect a broad consensus among our members. The document urged the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources to permit reasonable flexibility in system design and fuel choice as long as sensible emission and performance goals are met. BTEC also requested clarification for areas of ambiguity within the proposed rules, for example in how the sustainability of different types of pellet feedstocks would be determined. At the time of writing, it is unclear how or at what time the public comments received by the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources will be incorporated into the final regulations. Documents such as the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center’s “Residential and Small-Scale Biomass Heating Program Manual” for example, last updated July 18, 2016, refer to program specifications seemingly unchanged from those given in the draft regulations.

BTEC will continue to monitor and provide feedback from the industry on these regulations and other state policy changes that affect the biomass heating industry, especially as other states outside the Northeast may look to that region in the development their own policies.
Have Biomass Project Ideas for SWET?
 
Michigan Statewide Wood Energy Team
Contact: Ray Miller – rmiller@anr.msu.edu
Minnesota Statewide Wood Energy Team
Contact: Mark Lindquist – mark.lindquist@state.mn.us
Wisconsin Statewide Wood Energy Team
Contact: Sabina Dhungana – Sabina.Dhungana@wisconsin.gov
Free Publications
Biomass Magazine and Pellet Mill Magazine are free to subscribers in the USA.  Here’s link to sign up and there is also free e-newsletters, free webinars and more:

BTEC Newsletter:  If you are interested in receiving the Biomass Thermal Energy Council’s weekly biomass newsletter and other news releases, you are encouraged to sign-up athttp://biomassthermal.org/mailingForm.asp 
Heating the Midwest-Become an Action Team Volunteer!
 
If you have a specific area of interest related to biomass thermal, we welcome your participation in one or all of HTM’s three action teams-Biomass Combustion Technologies, Policy & Benefits, and Biomass Resources & Demographics. Is your time often stretched? No problem. Time committed to the HTM effort is volunteer time. The teams meet monthly via conference call, and calls are limited to one hour in respect of members’ time and busy schedules. Members may choose to volunteer more of their time individually to support Action Team specific projects as they arise.  The work of each of the action teams involves developing “boots on the ground” projects for spurring action, discussing industry challenges in each sector and how to possibly address, networking and supporting the overall goals and vision of the Heating the Midwest with Renewable Biomass initiative in an effort to grow demand and expand marketing opportunities in the biomass thermal sector, and create awareness of biomass thermal. Following is a list of the schedule for the action team calls:
Biomass Combustion Technologies Action Team
Meets first Tuesday of each month at 9:00 a.m. CST
Policy & Benefits Action Team
Meets second Tuesday of each month at 9:00 a.m. CST
Biomass Resources & Demographics Action Team
Meets third Monday of each month at 10:00 a.m. CST
For more detailed information on the Biomass Combustion Technologies or Policy & Benefits Action Teams, please contact Nan Larson at nlarson@auri.org or via phone at: (507) 537-6020. And for details pertaining to the Biomass Resources & Demographics Action Team, please contact Becky Philipp at bphilipp@auri.org or via phone at (218) 280-8575.
Call for Your Midwest Biomass Stories and Events for August Newsletter
As you’ve seen month after month; companies, governments, and communities around the Midwest are making progress on biomass heating and combined heat and power (CHP) programs and projects. If you have a story or event to contribute for next month, please submit by close of business the 3rd Wednesday of the month to  aharguth@auri.org.  And, if you’d like to be on the list to receive upcoming newsletters, please contact Ashley Harguth at aharguth@auri.org.