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Study looks at biomass for power

August 8, 2009 By

An ongoing study in western Wisconsin on how plausible, cost-effective, and profitable woody biomass could be for generating power. David Jenkins is with the Wisconsin Office of Energy Independence, which is helping to fund the study. Noting Wisconsin will never have a coal mine, he says it’s better to spend money for power locally.  But, Jenkins says, it must also be cost effective. “We can’t drive the price of electricity up to the point where it becomes burden for business . . . and the same farmers who are growing the stuff,” says Jenkins.

Jenkins says the point is to help move Wisconsin to renewable energy sources, but what the carbon footprint of burning biomass for energy? “If you’re doing it sustainably then you plant new trees or grow new crops that take up that carbon dioxide that was released from the combustion of the previous month or the previous year.”

Jenkins says it’s close to carbon neutral – 80 to 90 percent. He says though this study is specific to the French Island power plant in La Crosse, there are around 50 small power plants around the state that could be converted to burn biomass. He’s hoping the study, examining an area roughly 50 miles around West Salem, will have results by this fall.

Submitted by John Helgeson, WVRQ

Filed Under: Environment & Conservation

It's hot, prepare for your outdoor activity

August 8, 2009 By

It's going to be hot this weekend, especially in the southern part of the state.

And that means if you're going to the Wisconsin State Fair, spokesperson Patrice Harris, says you need to be prepared and have a plan.

"Drink plenty of water first and foremost. Keep yourself hydrated."

Temperatures over the weekend are expected to be hot and humid — in the low 90s in the southern half of the state, with a heat index reaching 100. Harris says there are ways fairgoers can take a break from the heat.

"Sit down, rest, wear light-colored clothing, breathable fabric … Remember to wear a hat, bring your sunscreen."

Also, Harris says, there are many air-conditioned buildings throughout the fairgrounds. Be aware of the warning signs of heat exhaustion, including heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, fatigue, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, or fainting.

NOTE: There is also a 50% chance of thunderstorms on Saturday and 20-percent on Sunday.

AUDIO: Jackie Johnson report (1:16 MP3)

Filed Under: Human Interest

Study looks at biomass for power

August 8, 2009 By

An ongoing study in western Wisconsin on how plausible, cost-effective, and profitable woody biomass could be for generating power. David Jenkins is with the Wisconsin Office of Energy Independence, which is helping to fund the study. Noting Wisconsin will never have a coal mine, he says it’s better to spend money for power locally.  But, Jenkins says, it must also be cost effective. “We can’t drive the price of electricity up to the point where it becomes burden for business . . . and the same farmers who are growing the stuff,” says Jenkins.

Jenkins says the point is to help move Wisconsin to renewable energy sources, but what the carbon footprint of burning biomass for energy? “If you’re doing it sustainably then you plant new trees or grow new crops that take up that carbon dioxide that was released from the combustion of the previous month or the previous year.”

Jenkins says it’s close to carbon neutral – 80 to 90 percent. He says though this study is specific to the French Island power plant in La Crosse, there are around 50 small power plants around the state that could be converted to burn biomass. He’s hoping the study, examining an area roughly 50 miles around West Salem, will have results by this fall.

Filed Under: Environment & Conservation, Top Story