11

Bioenergy Development at West Bioenergy Development at West Virginia UniversityVirginia University

West Virginia is the third most forested state in the USWest Virginia is the third most forested state in the US Forests cover 12.0 million acres (78% of land area) Forests cover 12.0 million acres (78% of land area) 3.6 million acres of farmland3.6 million acres of farmland Over 30,000 people in WV are employed by the forest Over 30,000 people in WV are employed by the forest

industry in WVindustry in WV The only natural resource industry present in all 55 WV The only natural resource industry present in all 55 WV

countiescounties Over 260,000 forest landowners in the stateOver 260,000 forest landowners in the state Forestry contributes $4 billion annually to the WV economyForestry contributes $4 billion annually to the WV economy Biomass production potentialBiomass production potential

• Wood residues – 2.41 million dry tonsWood residues – 2.41 million dry tons• Agricultural residues – 903,826 dry tonsAgricultural residues – 903,826 dry tons

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Bioenergy Development at West Bioenergy Development at West Virginia UniversityVirginia University

Bed

ding

Paper

PaperPellet fuel

Boi

ler f

uelBoi

ler f

uel

Boiler fuel Boiler fuel

Cha

rcoa

l

Composite

Mulch

Mulch

Mulch

Mulch

Mul

chP

elle

t fue

l

Pel

let f

uel

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

1999 2000 2002 2003 2005

Pellet fuel

Paper

Mulch

Composite

Charcoal

Boiler fuel

Bedding

7.2%

17.5%

8.6%

66.7%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80%

Boiler fuel

Composite

Mulch

Pellet fuel

Logging residue for firewood Logging residue for firewood and growing interest in and growing interest in efficient utilization efficient utilization

The primary uses of mill The primary uses of mill residues have changed over residues have changed over time.time.

Pellet fuel was the major use Pellet fuel was the major use of mill residue in 2005 of mill residue in 2005 (66.7%).(66.7%).

It was followed by boiler fuel It was followed by boiler fuel (17.5%).(17.5%).

Animal manure uses as Animal manure uses as fertilizer and biofuel.fertilizer and biofuel.

33

The University Strategic Initiative - The University Strategic Initiative - Advance Advance technologies for bio-fuels and bio-products from technologies for bio-fuels and bio-products from renewable resources and reducing environmental renewable resources and reducing environmental liabilitiesliabilities

Biobased Materials Research CenterBiobased Materials Research Center• West Virginia Development office and other agenciesWest Virginia Development office and other agencies• Multidisciplinary research team and collaborationsMultidisciplinary research team and collaborations

ProjectsProjects• Biomass availabilityBiomass availability• Economic and technical feasibilitiesEconomic and technical feasibilities• Biomass conversions to bio-fuelsBiomass conversions to bio-fuels

Bioenergy Development at West Bioenergy Development at West Virginia UniversityVirginia University