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PSU and RC&D to Study Feasibility of Co-Generation PlantSwitching from Fossil Fuel to Wood Could Save Money, Reduce PollutionThe Center for Rural Partnerships
(CRP), working in collaboration with North Country Resource Conservation and
Development Area Council (RC&D) and the State Forester, has secured funding
from the U.S. Forest Service to conduct a feasibility study for converting PSU’s
existing co-generation plant from fossil fuels to sustainably-harvested woody biomass
from local forests. Conversion from fossil fuels to a renewable energy source
(combined with sustainable forestry) has a number of positive attributes,
according to CRP Director Thad Guldbrandsen. The feasibility study is scheduled to
be completed by next August. The PSU study is being conducted as part of a
statewide, institution-scale biomass initiative, which will move toward
establishing a biomass plant at Bear Brook State Park, PSU and three other
institutions, such as public schools. The study also includes the New
Hampshire State Forester, Phil Bryce of the Department of Economic Development,
the University of New Hampshire
Cooperative Extension and the North Country RC&D. The statewide project aims
to develop five biomass feasibility studies and create educational material for
schools and other public institutions to help them evaluate the feasibility of
biomass energy. “PSU would become a model for other
institutions region-wide and provide numerous learning opportunities for
students and visitors,” noted Guldbrandsen. “Converting PSU’s co-gen plant could
go a long way in achieving carbon neutrality on campus, because heat and
electricity is our major source of carbon emissions.” The CRP is currently working with the
President’s Commission on Environmental Sustainability (PCES) to implement the
feasibility study. For more information about this
release, contact Bruce Lyndes, PSU Media Relations Mgr., (603) 535-2775 or
blyndes@plymouth.edu. For original
release visit: www.plymouth.edu/news/ ©2007, Plymouth State University |
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