Learn About Biomass Heating Options From New MSU Extension Bulletin
4/2/09
Contact: Laura Probyn
517-432-1555, ext. 175
EAST LANSING, Mich. -- With energy costs rising, many people have been looking for alternative ways to heat large facilities, farm shops and greenhouses. To help Michiganians explore the possibilities for using biomass heat sources, Michigan State University (MSU) Extension is offering a new bulletin.
"Heating Buildings and Business Operations with Biomass Fuel: A Planning Guide" (bulletin number E3044), provides a balanced look at what types of facilities can benefit from biomass fuel and which types of biomass fuels can work for various operations.
"With the rising energy costs, many people were looking for alternatives," said Mark Seamon, MSU Product Center innovation counselor for the bioeconomy and MSU Extension educator based in Saginaw County. "The folks installing these alternative fueling systems experienced challenges finding unbiased information, so they voiced the need and we tried to give them fact-based information."
Depending on an operation’s location and the availability and costs of fuels, a business owner or farmer might have several options to consider.
"The bulletin will help people decide what fuel will work best for their situation and whether it's feasible for them to look at this as an option," Seamon said. "Some will find strengths with woody biomass, and others will find oranges; others will find cherry pits. We also look at how it fits with regulatory issues."
The complete guide is available for free as a PDF from the MSU Bulletin Office at http://web2.canr.msu.edu/bulletins/inventorysearch.cfm. At the same link, a copy may be purchased for $5. It will be printed and shipped to the purchaser.
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