Exploring Woody Biomass Retrofit Opportunities In Michigan Boiler Operations

9/28/2007

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The Southeast Michigan RC&D Council selected a team of experts (CTA Architects Engineers, Emergent Solutions, Christopher Allen + Associates, Loracs Creations, and Geodata) to provide a statewide assessment of the potential to integrate wood-fired boiler systems into existing facilities throughout the State of Michigan.

Their final report, Exploring Woody Biomass Retrofit Opportunities In Michigan Boiler Operations, includes analysis and conclusions that may help guide strategic wood energy developments statewide. Key features of the report include discussions of the following:

  • Recent biomass utilization studies and successful retrofit projects
  • Probable costs, savings, and simple payback scenarios for conversion projects
  • Boiler conversion feasibility issues
  • Financial implications of fuel choices
  • Biomass feedstock sources and processing infrastructure needs
  • Profiles of statewide boiler characteristics
  • Impacts of non-attainment areas and air quality issues
  • Development of tools for identifying potential projects

Altogether, the analysis of the existing boiler database identified approximately 2,300 boilers in Michigan with estimated simple paybacks of less than 20 years. Detailed summaries of statewide data may be found in Appendix A. Appendix B includes a prioritized listing of at least 35 top projects for each county. Maps of key statewide results are located in Appendix C.