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University of Minnesota, Morris biomass research and demonstration facility in the 2005 bonding bill
The University of Minnesota, Morris is excited to announce that the Legislature has funded the biomass research and demonstration facility in the 2005 bonding bill. This will provide another significant piece of the University of Minnesota Renewable Energy Research and Demonstration Center's mission to promote and provide leadership in renewable energy initiatives.
The biomass plant will also be used to explore the gasification technology in converting plant based fuel stocks into energy in the form of synthetic gas that is intended to replace the use of fossil fuels such as natural gas.
The gasification of biomass is an emerging technology that opens the door to using locally available renewable fuel stocks that are greenhouse gas neutral and produce fewer pollutants than the traditional combustion processes for coal, oil or wood.
Local fuel stocks being considered are corn stover and other agricultural-based plant materials produced in the region. UMM is eager to work with the local agricultural community to rethink how we approach our energy resources. The West Central Research and Outreach Center and the USDA-ARS Soils Lab will conduct important biomass research to help support and further the development of this new agricultural industry.
There will be challenges in developing this technology. A reliable process needs to be developed for collection distribution and conversion of biomass, while at the same time supporting sustainable agricultural practices. The University knows no better place to address these challenges than right here in Morris. UMM hopes to establish a road map to allow other business and communities to covert their existing fossil fuel energy systems to a renewable based energy system that promotes the environment and the local economy.
Read more about UMM at http://www.morris.umn.edu/
More information about the University of Minnesota Renewable Energy Research and Demonstration Center is at http://energy.coafes.umn.edu/
Judy Riley
Campus Communications Coordinator
University of Minnesota, Morris
Office of University Relations/External Relations
11 Education, 600 East 4th Street
Morris MN 56267
320-589-6050 [phone]
320-589-6051 [fax]
rileyjk@morris.umn.edu
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