| Title: | Lake Tahoe, CA/NV - Reno/Tahoe Biomass Supply and Demand Study |
| Type: |
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| State: | California |
| Program Description: | Reno/Tahoe Biomass Supply and Demand Study
Project Background The Reno/Tahoe Biomass Supply and Demand Study investigated the opportunities and the barriers to building utility scale biomass power plants in the Lake Tahoe region. Lake Tahoe is located on the border of California and Nevada, with portions of eight counties located within the study area. The study was funded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) through the Western Governors’ Association, and coordinated by Sierra Economic Development Corporation, with matching funds provided by California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. The goal of the project was to increase awareness of the potential for bioenergy use in the Tahoe region. The study is a comprehensive look at the opportunities and constraints to harvesting local forest products to be used as fuel for cogeneration of heat and electrical energy in a biomass plant and in smaller independent systems. The project consisted of the study and a conference for public outreach and education. The study consisted of 5 subtasks: 1.Inventory of supply and attributes of biomass material available in an eight county region surrounding the Lake Tahoe Basin. 2.Forecast the demand for electrical energy in the region. 3.Identify alternative woody biomass to energy technologies; 4.Complete a cost analysis and siting requirements for conversion to appropriate technologies; 5.Identify potential sites for power plants in the Tahoe Basin area The study found that the supply of woody biomass within the region fluctuates based on the price. Supply estimates range between 129,000 BDT (bone dry tons) at $50/BDT and 55,000 BDT at $10/BDT. Most of this material is available from waste stream-derived and wood business-derived sources. The Tahoe region is experiencing faster population growth than the national average with an attendant rise in projected electrical demand. Three technologies were investigated and determined to be potentially feasible for development in the Lake Tahoe Basin Region: biomass-fueled microturbines, modular biomass gasifiers and combination gasification and gas engine cogeneration. The study compared several biomass generation systems suitable for use in the Reno/Tahoe region. Weights were given to the systems based on the following factors: proven technology, biomass combustor experience, biomass fuel flexibility, projected air emissions, capital costs, and projected user friendly operation. The three systems with the highest rankings are: KMW Systems, Inc., Messersmith Manufacturing Inc., and Chiptec Wood Energy Systems. The study finds that combined heat and power units on a site that can use both, such as the Northern Nevada Correctional Center, are more cost effective than electric-only plants. This is especially true when an existing steam pipe system is in place and where supplies of biomass are already collected for other reasons, such as near a sawmill or a waste collection facility. Biomass Conference A second phase of the project was to hold a public Biomass Workshop to showcase the opportunities identified in the study. The workshop was held in Kings Beach, California on June 1, 2007. It was well attended by an enthusiastic audience of 102 people. The agenda included speakers on the topics of: Biomass Roadmap, Technology Advances, Inventory Supply Demand, Regulation Compliance, Lessons Learned, and Project Updates. The conference was hosted by Sierra Economic Development District with the support of: Western Governors Association, Placer County, California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, Nevada Division of Forestry, US Forest Service, Forester’s Co-Op, University of Nevada, Reno, University of California Davis, and Tahoe Conservancy. Update as of August, 2009 A 1-3MW biomass power plant is in the planning stages for the Reno/Tahoe area. The feasibility analysis has been completed and Placer County is acting as the lead agency. The plant has a lot of public support and the bulk of the funding has been obtained, although more funds are still being sought. The plant will be sited on the Northshore of Lake Tahoe in the King Beach area. The Biomass Supply and Demand Study and the Biomass Workshop played an instrumental role in popularizing the idea of a biomass plant in the region. Contact Information For more information, contact: Doug Wickizer, California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, at 916-653-5602, or by email at: doug.wickizer@fire.ca.gov Source Sierra Economic Development Corporation, Reno/Tahoe Biomass Supply and Demand Study: Addressing barriers and constraints to “utility” scale biomass power development, Prepared for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection and Western Governors’ Association, January 2008. |
The Woody Biomass Utilization Database is a project of the Western Governors' Association
designed to increase awareness of the use of biomass resources for economic development and
environmental sustainability. Program objectives highlighted include biomass energy and
heating activities, education programs, and projects and technologies involving biomass
residue resulting from forest health treatments to reduce wildfire hazard risk.