Linking Potential Users to Working Woodchip and Pellet Systems, Operators, and Fuel Suppliers

As a leader in community-scale woody biomass energy systems, Vermont ideally illustrates the successful use of a local resource, one that helps strengthen communities by reducing the reliance on imported fossil fuels to meet heating (and combined heat and power) needs. Biomass can play a key role in providing an important source of renewable, sustainable energy while lowering fuel costs, stimulating the local economy, and incentivizing sound forest management practices. Touring wood-fired facilities presents a unique educational opportunity to see these technologies in action and talk directly to system operators—the real experts in biomass energy—about the day-to-day operation and performance of community-scale wood energy systems. BERC tours can include visits to wood fuel supply operations and discussions with fuel providers as well as speaker panels with program and project administrators, engineers, technology vendors, and other biomass energy experts. They can range from a full multi-day package that includes meals and overnight lodging in biomass-heated accommodations to a single day of facility site visits. Tour Itineraries Each tour itinerary is tailored to maximize the overall experience based on the specific goals of the group and can accommodate a wide range of interests, including: Biomass 101.  Groups visit a broad range of applications in a variety of settings to gain an overview of biomass technology and siting possiblities. Biomass Project Specific.  Those considering a biomass system for a particular project type (e.g., school, hospital, college campus, business, housing complex) can see an array of suitable technologies and discuss the pros and cons of these options with operators and vendor representatives. Biomass Program Development.  Delegations interested in developing biomass programs (e.g., Vermont Fuels For Schools) can visit a variety of school biomass systems, partake in discussions with system operators and school administrators, and engage with state and private agency partners responsible for developing and deploying the program. Biomass Emissions-Control Technologies.  Vermont system sizes range from 50,000 Btu to 30 MMBtu per hour and groups can visit examples of state-of-the-art emissions-control equipment employed within this range. Regional Economic Impacts.  Tours can include visits to facilities that exemplify how locally sourced wood fuel has retained jobs and kept money circulating within the local economy.   Fuel Supply Chain Management.  Groups can see the entire wood fuel supply chain from forest management to harvesting, transport, storage, and processing. Delegations can talk directly with foresters, loggers, and chip yard and pelletizing operators.  Other.  If you are interested in other aspects of biomass utilization that are not listed above, BERC can develop a tour specific to your group’s requirements. Download a sample itinerary. Tour Customization and Pricing BERC study tours are designed to meet the needs of each group, thus the cost of each package will vary depending on the group size, number of site visits, and duration of the tour, among other factors. Our staff can work out a tour package to fit your particular learning requirements and budget. If you are interested in gaining a deeper understanding of community-scale biomass systems and would like to discuss the potential of a study tour for your group, please This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to learn more. Biomass Energy Resource Center PO Box 1611,  Montpelier,  Vermont              802.223.7770