Wood Energy Initiative

Energy security is a vital issue in the United States

Heavy dependence on fossil fuels obtained politically volatile areas, an emerging consensus that carbon emissions must be substantially reduced, and dramatically increasing costs of fuel oil and natural gas are driving the need for alterative energy sources, both Kansas and nationally.

Further, rising energy costs are negatively impacting Kansas's rural communities, Many of which wee already facing serious economic declines. Woody biomass is a carbon neutral, clean burning, renewable energy resource that can help solve these problems.

Kansas woody biomass can be used for energy production that can stimulate and revitalize rural economic conditions as well as can help in being Kansas energy independent and environmental friendly.

Objective

• Grow a nich based, wood energy, and bio-based products energy in Kansas

Outcomes

• Creating jobs and new sources of income in rural areas
• Reducing energy dependence on fossil fuel
• Ecological restoration of range and pastures
• Forest Management
  • Creating markets for low value, conventially non-commercial, trees and tree species (Eastern red cedar)
  • Creating more productive, healthier forests and revitalized rural communities

Services

• Pre-feasability technical assistance
• Arrange tours of operating systems
• System manufacturer references
• Engineering service provider references
• All permiting references
• Funding References
• Case studies
• Information and Education

Future Promotional Events

• Kansas Association of School Administrators
• Kansas Health Care Engineer's Association
• Kansas Municipal Utilities

Approach and Effort

• Are you planning on upgrading or replacing your existing system?
• Are you considering alternative fuels?
• Is wood one of those fuels?
• Might the Kansas Forest Service, or Kansas State University be of any assistance?

Existing Wood Energy Industries/Businesses

• Alfalfa dehydrators
• Wood pellet
• Wood briquetting manufacturers
• Food industry -- Frito Lay
• Superior boiler
• Alternative energy solutions international

Clients to Date

• Winfield High School/ Middle School
• Southwestern College (Winfield)
• Morris County Schools
• Riley County School District
• Coffee County Health System
• Forthcoming meetings
  • Hayden High Topeka
  • East Kansas Agri-Energy (Low Carbon Fuel Standards, Carbon Intensity Rule)

For more information contact:

Larry Biles, State Forester

Sabina Dhungana, Biomass Forester