Biomass Feasibility Project Final Report - Xcel Energy

CHAPTER II : BIOMASS FUELS
BIOMASS CATEGORIZATIONS
Our discussion of biomass power begins logically with the biomass resource itself. Biomass is not
an exact term. It could be used to designate pretty much any carbon-based life form, be it
flora or fauna. It also has vastly different referents in various parts of the world, depending on
the local species. So we arbitrarily – however, we hope reasonably – define it as crops and
residues available in Minnesota in quantities large enough to fuel a power plant. Those are the
specific biomasses that appear in the BioPET computer tool and in this chapter of the Written
Report.
BIOMASS FEEDSTOCKS
Agriculture
Livestock
Crops
Crop
Residues
Ag. Processing
Residues
Manures
Animal Processing
Wastes
Wood
which includes:
Municipal Waste
Streams
Timber
Residues
Urban Wood
Wastes
Figure II-1: Biomass Feedstocks Organizational Chart
We group those specific biomasses into seven general categories.
First, three categories from the agriculture industry:
• harvested crops,
• crop residues, and
• agricultural processing residues.
Second, one catchall category for wood-based resources:
• wood.
Third, two categories from the livestock industry:
• manures and
• animal processing wastes.
And fourth, three categories to address municipal waste streams:
• waste water treatment plant sludge,
• municipal solid waste, and
• landfill gas.
Identifying Effective Biomass Strategies: Page 7
Quantifying Minnesota’s Resources and Evaluating Future Opportunities