Show Me Energy to use biomass pellets for generation

CENTERVIEW, MISSOURI - Show Me Energy Cooperative (SMEC) of Centerview, Missouri has announced the completion of a 150-ton biomass pellet test burn at the Aquila generating facility at Sibley, Missouri.

This is the first time for the use of biomass pellets for electrical production in the United States, saving over 253 tons of CO2. The project utilizes Show Me Energy's unique biomass pellets to offset green house gas emissions for electrical production.

SMEC biomass pellets are made from non-grain bearing crops of cellulose such as Switchgrass, cornstalks, cereal straws, fescue straw and other Ag residues or energy crops that have no food value.

Steve Flick, Chairman of the Board, states, "This is our first pilot project of utilizing biomass pellets in Missouri for coal firing. On behalf of our Farmer Members and its Board Of Directors, we are proud to be a part of this historical event. We look forward to working with the State of Missouri regulatory groups, Aquila and Kansas City Power & Light to provide economic opportunity to local farmers while reducing our dependence on fossil fuels."

SMEC's goal is to produce thousands of tons of renewable energy pellets to displace non-renewable fuel. If adopted on a global scale, this has the potential to displace millions of tons of greenhouse gases, which are responsible for today's climate change crisis. While others are relying on food crops to create energy, SMEC is demonstrating a sustainable, environmentally friendly way that doesn't threaten the food supply or skew the market.