Northeast Biomass Thermal Working Group

The Northeast Biomass Thermal Working Group (NEBTWG) is a coalition of biomass thermal advocates committed to working together to advance the use of biomass for heating and CHP (combined heat and power) in the northeastern United States.

Background

The use of biomass in thermal and combined thermal/electric power applications is poised for significant growth across the northeastern US, if market forces, policy drivers, regulatory framework, and public relations align to allow this to happen.  NEBTWG was formed to accelerate these opportunities to the benefit of all involved.

Activities

• Policy and regulatory advocacy at the local, state, and regional levels
• Development, promotion,  and distribution of the Heating the Northeast with Renewable Biomass 2025 Vision
• Outreach to allied groups and organizations to expand network of biomass thermal advocates in the Northeast
• Identification and prioritization of key policy, regulatory and public relations issues facing biomass thermal industry
• Information and data collection to assist/influence policy makers and regulators
• Coordination of advocacy to federal delegations on key issues in Washington
• “Best ideas” sharing across region

Vision 2025: Introduction

Heating the Northeast with Renewable Biomass: A Bold Vision for 2025 is a call for an American Revolution to domestically produce the thermal energy consumed in the six New England states and New York. We propose that 25% of all thermal energy requirements in the Northeast are met with renewable energy resources by the year 2025.

Sponsoring Organizations

Key Findings and Conclusions of the Report

If achieved, this vision will:

• Supply 19 million green tons of sustainable biomass for thermal energy available annually from forest and farm sources
• Achieve 25% of all thermal energy from renewable resources by 2025
• Achieve 75% of thermal renewable energy from biomass by 2025
• Convert 1.38 million households in the seven states to biomass for thermal needs
• Improve air quality, reduce greenhouse gases and build healthier communities
• Reduce 1.14 billion gallons of heating oil annually
• Reinvest $4.5 billion in resulting economic wealth in the Northeast economy
• Create 140,200 jobs

Download a presentation on the Vision given by NEBTWG Steering Committee Co-Chairman Charlie Niebling on August 5, 2010.

Vision Presentation – August 5, 2010

Download the Report

Executive Summary	Full Report	Vision 4-Pager

In addition to the Northeast Biomass Thermal Working Group, the Vision is supported by the Maine Pellet Fuel Association, the Pellet Fuels Institute, the New York Biomass Energy Alliance, the Alliance For Green Heat and the Biomass Thermal Energy Council.

For more information, contact Adam Sherman (BERC) or Maura Adams (Northern Forest Center).