Biomass District Energy Project Picks Up Steam in Montpelier, Vermont

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Researched by Industrial Info Resources (Sugar Land, Texas)--The 15-year-old district heating system in Montpelier, Vermont, is in need of replacement as some of the plant's boilers date back to the 1950's. The project showed signs of picking up steam when it received grants and loans from the city of more than $1.1 million, on top of a $7 million contribution from Vermont lawmakers to move the project forward.

However, construction of the estimated $24 million heating system is still going through various engineering studies on just how the plant will be configured. Veolia Energy N.A. (Boston, Massachusetts) was brought on as a development partner, as well as consultant Biomass Energy Resource Center (Montpelier), to study the best technology and approach to construct the facility.

The team determined that the existing steam distribution system is in good condition and serves 560,000 square feet for 18 state office buildings. The existing antiquated boilers will replace two 600-boiler-horsepower (BHP), biomass-fired units and a new 1.8 megawatt back pressure turbine for the CHP plant. Two smaller, oil-fired boilers will be installed for backup. Some 5,000 feet of hot water distribution piping also will be installed.

The project is still a good eight to 12 months from starting construction and is expected to take just a little over a year to complete. The state and local residents are behind the project, unlike most biomass energy projects, and the likelihood of it progressing into construction is very good.

Industrial Info's databases provide a comprehensive outline of all current development activities in the emerging alternative fuels market. Our North American Biodiesel Database covers 148 operational plants and 95 plants in development. Our North American Ethanol Database covers 217 plants in operation and 108 plants in various development phases. Our North American Wood Fuel Pellet Database includes 67 operational plants producing more than 25,000 tons annually and 38 projects in progress.

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