ARRA energy projects announced

subscribe

Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan announced on her visit to California projects funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) for wood-to-energy and biomass utilization.

These 30 projects, funded at $57 million – $49 million for wood-to-energy grants and $8 million for biomass utilization – are located in 14 states, including California.

"These projects will promote the development of biofuels from wood and help private sector businesses to establish renewable energy infrastructure and accelerate availability in the marketplace," said Merrigan. "Additionally, hazardous fuels reduction projects utilize biomass from forested lands that, when left untreated, increase wildland fire risks to communities and natural resources."

In keeping with the Obama administration's interest in innovative sources for energy, these ARRA funds may help to create markets for small diameter wood and low value trees removed during forest restoration activities. This work will result in increased value of biomass generated during forest restoration projects, the removal of economic barriers to using small diameter trees and woody biomass, and generation of renewable energy from woody biomass. These funds may also help communities and entrepreneurs turn residues from forest restoration activities into marketable energy products. Projects were nominated by Forest Service regional offices and selected nationally through a competitive basis on objective criteria.

Biomass utilization also provides additional opportunities for removal of hazardous fuels on federal forests and grasslands and on lands owned by state, local governments, private organizations, and individual landowners.

Related News

berlin powerlines

Nine EU countries oppose electricity market reforms as fix for energy price spike

BRUSSELS - Germany, Denmark, Ireland and six other European countries said on Monday they would not support a reform of the EU electricity market, ahead of an emergency meeting of energy ministers to discuss the recent price spike.

European gas and power prices soared to record high levels in autumn and have remained high, prompting countries including Spain and France to urge Brussels to redesign its electricity market rules.

Nine countries on Monday poured cold water on those proposals, in a joint statement that said they "cannot support any measure that conflicts with the internal gas and electricity market" such…

READ MORE
ESCC logo

The Power Sector’s Most Crucial COVID-19 Mitigation Strategies

READ MORE

californias-solar-power-cost-shift

California’s Solar Power Cost Shift: A Misguided Policy Threatening Energy Equity

READ MORE

electricity meter

Hydro One delivery rates go up

READ MORE

ireland power

Ireland goes 25 days without using coal to generate electricity

READ MORE