Biomass Feasibility Project Final Report - Xcel Energy

switchgrass moves on to an attrition mill, which pulverizes it, and then to a surge bin to wait for
pressurized air to blow it into the boiler.
(CVBP Interim Test Burn Emissions Report, 2003, Appendix G)
Figure IV-6: Removing Twine from Bales
Biomass Transportation and Infrastructure
Biomass power travels in two directions: as feedstock into the power plant via road, rail or water;
and as electricity out of the power plant through connections to the grid or local power
networks. Since roads and power lines usually precede power plants, the biomass power
developer typically will look for sites where those infrastructures already exist. A good source of
water is another essential item because water usually is needed for fuel processing, steam
generation, and/or cooling.
The following maps illustrate elements of infrastructure. The gopher GIS Computer tool allows the
developer to stack the maps in order to find sites where all necessary infrastructures converge.
Combined with the biomass maps in BioPET and reproduced in Chapter I, this array of computer
tools points the way toward feasible plant locations.
gopher
GIS maps of infrastructure and other development resources.
• Roads. State highway maps show interstate and trunk highways, but county maps in
specific areas of interest can be consulted for details on county roads. Seasonal load
restrictions have to be taken into account. Individual farms and logging sites may be
served by gravel roads, but collection points and power plants have to be connected
by ten-ton all-weather paved roads.
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Identifying Effective Biomass Strategies:
Quantifying Minnesota’s Resources and Evaluating Future Opportunities