| Title: | Utah - Fuels for Schools |
| Type: |
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| State: | Utah |
| Program Description: | Utah - Potential for Using Woody Biomass for Heat and/or Power in Utah’s Institutions and Industries
Fuels for Schools Assessment The Utah Assessment of Potential for Using Woody Biomass for Heat and/or Power in Utah’s Institutions and Industries is usually referred to as the “Fuels for Schools” project. The Assessment evaluated the potential for using excess fuels from forests as a source of woody biomass material for heating schools and other large institutions. The study investigated the opportunities and challenges for converting existing boilers in Utah to wood-fueled boilers. The first part of the study reviews the supply of woody biomass in Utah. The Assessment pulls together several different studies on biomass potential in Utah. All the studies show a considerable potential biomass supply within Utah. It is recommended that supply should be located no more than 50 miles from the facilities to be using the biomass. The study analyzed information on existing boilers in Utah to find opportunities for conversion to wood chips or pellets. Factors considered in the study include: boiler age, size, fuel source, ownership, and primary use. Overall, the study found 103 boilers with payback periods of less than 10 years when replacement is not required, and 499 boilers with payback periods of less than 15 years when boiler replacement is required.The study found that boiler conversions are more likely to occur in the following situations: *Facilities with a high demand for fuel for heating, cooling, domestic hot water and/or power. *Facilities located near other biomass boiler systems. *Facilities located near wood waste producers (for example: log home builders, post and pole mills, and other mills). *Facilities that have significant forested acres under their control. *Facilities located in areas without access to natural gas. *Facilities located in rural areas. *Facilities that could burn pellets. *Facilities that could utilize urban tree waste and/or clean construction waste. *Facilities willing to lead the market and be a demonstration site. As part of the study, from 2005 to 2007 Dr. Laura Lowe attended many conferences and made presentations around the state to interest people in woody biomass utilization. At this time, no boiler conversions to biomass were made as a result of this study. Contact Information For more information, contact Geoff McNaughton by phone at: 801-538-5460, or by email at geoffmcnaughton@utah.gov |
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.