Biomass power for rural development. Technical progress report, July 1--September 30, 1997

The focus of the DOE/USDA sponsored biomass power for rural development project is to develop commercial energy crops for power generation by the year 2000. The New York based Salix Consortium project is a multi-partner endeavor, implemented in three stages. Phase-1, Final Design and Project Development, will conclude with the preparation of construction and/or operating permits, feedstock production plans, and contracts ready for signature. Field trials of willow (Salix) have been initiated at several locations in New York (Tully, Lockport, King Ferry, La Fayette, Massena, and Himrod) and co-firing tests are underway at Greenidge Station (NYSEG) and Dunkirk Station (NMPC). Phase-2 of the project will focus on scale-up of willow crop acreage, construction of co-firing facilities at Dunkirk Station (NMPC), and final modifications for Greenidge Station. Cofiring willow is also under consideration for GPU`s Seward Station where testing is underway. There will be an evaluation of the energy crop as part of the gasification trials occurring at BED`s McNeill power station. Phase-3 will represent fullscale commercialization of the energy crop and power generation on a sustainable basis. During the third quarter of 1997, much of the Consortium`s effort has focused on outreach activities, continued feedstock development, fuel supply planning, and fuel contract development, and preparation for 1998 scale-up activities. The Consortium also submitted a Phase-1 extension proposal during this period. A few of the more important milestones are outlined below. The fourth quarter of 1997 is expected to be dominated by Phase-II proposal efforts and planning for 1998 activities