Synthesis of Biomass Utilization for Bioenergy Production in the Western United States

Examines the use of woody residues, primarily from forest harvesting or wood products manufacturing operations (and from urban wood wastes), as a feedstock for direct-combustion bioenergy systems for electrical or thermal power applications. Examines opportunities for utilizing biomass for energy at several different scales, with an emphasis on larger scale electrical power generation at stand-alone facilities, and on smaller scale facilities (thermal heating only) such as govżt., educ., or other institutional facilities. Identifies west-wide barriers that tend to inhibit bioenergy applications, incl. terrain, accessibility, harvesting and capital costs. Evaluates the role of govżt. as a catalyst in stimulating new technol. and new uses of biomass material. Illus.