In 2011, the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI) solicited proposals to develop a Biomass Heating Feasibility Guide “for the replacement of high-cost heating fuels, such as propane and fuel oil, with biomass combustion heating systems.” The contract, awarded to DLF Consulting, resulted in this report, which will assist turkey producers and greenhouse operators in rural areas to understand the feasibility of using biomass for heating. The report provides an overview of the elements involved in a biomass heating system – fuels and technologies – and provides information regarding what is required to set up and operate such a system.
The study analyzed the following:
- Energy use at several greenhouse and turkey producer locations
- Technical feasibility: fuel and technology
- Economic feasibility