Policy considerations for biomass commercialization and its impact on the Chariton Valley biomass project

Conference · Thu Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1998

OSTI ID:334225

Cooper, J

Growing biomass energy crops on erosive lands, then using them as a substitute fuel in coal-fired power plants can reduce air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, soil erosion and water pollution. Regrettably, the current market value of biomass, which is higher relative to coal, prevents this substitution. Left out of the equation are the costs of related environmental damages and the public expenditures for their prevention. The cumulative value of the benefits derived from substituting biomass for coal likely outweighs the current market price difference, when the public costs and benefits of clean air and water are considered. Public policy to encourage substitution of biomass for coal and other fossil fuels is a vital component in the commercialization of energy crops. This is specifically demonstrated in south central Iowa where switchgrass is being considered as a coal substitute in the Chariton Valley Resource Conservation and Development (RC and D) area. Marginal land use, rural development, and soil, air and water quality concerns are all drivers for policies to increase the value of switchgrass compared to coal.

• Research Organization: Chariton Valley Resource Conservation and Development, Inc., Centerville, IA (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Washington, DC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: FC36-96GO10148
• OSTI ID: 334225
• Report Number(s): CONF-981015--2; ON: DE99002457
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

09 BIOMASS FUELS
29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS
ENERGY SOURCE DEVELOPMENT
FOSSIL-FUEL POWER PLANTS
FUEL SUBSTITUTION
GRAMINEAE
IOWA
PUBLIC POLICY
RESOURCE CONSERVATION