Biopower for Farmers and Ranchers

The following resources will provide you with more information on biopower, or biomass power, technologies for use on farms and ranches. If you are unfamiliar with these technologies, see the introduction to biopower.

Research and Commercial Opportunities

NREL Biomass Research: What is a Biorefinery?
Presents NREL's concept for integrating biomass conversion processes and equipment to produce fuels, power, and chemicals from biomass.

U.S. Department of Energy Bioenergy Feedstock Information Network
Covers current research in developing environmentally acceptable crops and cropping systems on farms for producing large quantities of low-cost, high-quality biomass feedstocks.

U.S. Department of Energy Biomass Research & Development Initiative
Coordinates and accelerates all federal biobased products and bioenergy research and development.

Anaerobic Digesters (Methane Recovery)

U.S. Department of Energy Consumer's Guide: Anaerobic Digesters for Farms and Ranches
Recover methane (biogas) from animal manure for producing electricity, heat, and hot water.

Anaerobic Pump (PDF 105 KB) Download Adobe Reader.

Small Modular Systems

U.S. Department of Energy Distributed Energy Program: Biomass Power
Provides information on how small, modular biopower systems can be combined with other electric generation systems to improve the operation of an electric delivery system.

Small Modular Biopower Systems (PDF 333 KB). Download Adobe Reader.

Harvesting Clean Energy
Features information on renewable energy technologies, like biopower, for rural landowners, including farms, ranches, and communities in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington.

CADDET: Energy-Efficient Farming and Forestry in Norway
Explains a farm's use of biomass energy, hydroelectric power, and solar energy to significantly reduce energy costs.

Financing

U.S. Department of Agriculture Biobased Products and Bioenergy Program
Finances technologies needed to convert biomass into biobased products and bioenergy for large national and international markets.

U.S. Department of Agriculture 2002 Farm Bill: Section 9006
A grant and loan program to help farmers, ranchers, and rural small businesses invest in energy-efficient and renewable energy technologies.

U.S. Department of Energy Financial Opportunities
Offers financial assistance opportunities for the development and demonstration of energy-efficient and renewable energy technologies.

Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy
Provides information on state, local, utility, and selected federal incentives that promote renewable energy.