Woodlot waste becomes biomass business

The Annapolis Digby Economic Development Agency (ADEDA) sees big business potential in the unused biomass from local woodlots and logging sites. The organization is studying the feasibility of developing a wood pellet plant in the region, and is holding an information session November 26 to discuss the plan with woodlot owners, logging contractors, investors, and citizens.

The information session is open to anyone interested in learning more about selling biomass from their own woodlots or logging operations, anyone looking to invest in local renewable energy development, or anyone who is curious about the environmental and economic effects of such a development.

The information session is free to the public and runs 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 26 at the James Horsfall Memorial Hall in Cornwallis Park.

In July, ADEDA commissioned a feasibility study to examine the potential of a community-owned wood pellet and wood chip production facility to produce between 10,000 and 40,000 tonnes of wood pellets per year. The facility would be unique in that it would first aim to serve a local market (within 200 kilometres of the plant) rather than the export market, as with similar ventures elsewhere.

In recent years, the use of such furnaces has expanded rapidly in Annapolis and Digby counties as consumers grow exasperated with unpredictable and elevated heating oil prices. Pellet furnaces are cheaper and simpler to install than many other home heating alternatives. Compared to $0.90/litre heating oil, wood pellet furnaces offer equivalent heat for about half the cost. Natural gas, another source of cheap heat, is not available in western Nova Scotia, further strengthening the argument for biomass development in the region.

Biomass is interesting for local wood producers because it develops a market for previously unmarketable or waste materials. It is a renewable resource, and is considered 'carbon neutral,' in that the carbon released burning biomass is offset by the carbon absorbed in the production of more biomass. - - - - - -

Information Session

Biomass Initiative - Financial Opportunity in Annapolis-Digby, Wednesday, Nov. 267 p.m.- 9 p.m.

James Horsfall Memorial Hall in Cornwallis Park

FREE

To register or for more info, visit www.annapolisdigby.com

Or contact tthibodeau@annapolisdigby.com, 638-8967