Arizona State Biomass Resources Could Generate 1.6 Billion kWH of Electricity

Jan 05 - BioCycle

Arizona could generate enough power from its biomass resources - estimated at 1. 6 billion kWh of electricity - to power 160,000 homes - eight percent of its residential needs. As reported in the October 2005 issue of Biomass Initiative Newsletter, urban residues contribute 366,000 dry tons annually; forest and mill residues could annually supply 261,000 and 251,000 dry tons respectively; agricultural residues would add up to 222,000 dry tons per year. But the only biomass projects currently in development are three forest residue facilities.

Meanwhile, statistics from a few years ago showed that petroleum at 33 percent was the leading source of energy, followed by coal at 27 percent, nuclear power at 19 percent, and natural gas at 15 percent. Hydroelectric power supplied five percent, while biomass accounted for only one percent in 2001.

According to Biomass Initiative Newsletter, to encourage biomass energy use in the state, there is a tax reduction for converting a wood fireplace to a qualifying wood stove. There is also an Environmental Portfolio Standard that requires growing percentages of renewable energy for utilities each year starting at 0.2 percent in 2001, and rising to 1.1 percent in 2007. In addition, state public buildings constructed after February 2005 are required to obtain 10 percent of their power from renewable sources.