Appalachian State University Department of Technology and Environmental Design professors David Domermuth and Ok-Youn Yu have received a $45,000 grant from the N.C. Agricultural Foundation for a project to economically convert biomass to biofuel and useful biochar.
The grant, along with a current grant from the EPA, is being used to complete the university’s bioshelter/greenhouse at the Watauga County Landfill where the biomass conversion will occur.
When testing is complete, the project will move to the Energy Xchange in Spruce Pine and be used for public outreach and education.
For the past four years, researchers at Appalachian have worked to develop the most economical method for converting agricultural and forest biomass to useable products and energy. “To test our system we are using wood chips, which are a plentiful resource in the mountains. Wood waste from wood processing also can be recycled into useful products. Any kind of biomass can be used in the system including agricultural waste, yard brush and even animal waste,” graduate assistant Miranda Harper said.
Domermuth and Yu believe their research could be used by farm or forest owners and provide potential sources of revenue.
From Forest Business Network: https://www.forestbusinessnetwork.com/29431/appalachian-professors-receive-grant-to-develop-economical-biomass-conversion/