Iowa coal-fired ethanol plant will be converted to biomass

Sept. 10

A coal-fired ethanol plant in Iowa will be converted to burn biomass feedstock thanks to a government grant.

Lincolnway Energy LLC of Nevada, Iowa, will receive $1.9 million from the Department of Agriculture to convert the facility.

U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the award Sept. 9, awarded under the Repowering Assistance Program, intended to encourage the use of renewable biomass as a replacement for fossil fuels in for biorefineries.

"The award that USDA is announcing today marks a step toward reducing fossil fuel consumption." Vilsack said. "The Repowering Assistance Program, along with the other renewable energy provisions of the 2008 Farm Bill, promote the creation of green jobs, combat climate change and provide economic opportunities to rural workers and rural businesses."

Lincolnway Energy produces 55 to 60 million gallons per year of fuel-grade ethanol. The USDA funding will be used to modify a boiler to burn wood and other biomass.

For more information on REAP, visit www.rurdev.usda.gov/BCP_RepoweringAssistance.html.

Contact Waste & Recycling News reporter Amanda Smith-Teutsch at 330-865-6166 or asmith-teutsch@crain.com

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