Analysis of Biomass, Converting Wood to Energy: Missouri as a Case Study in Feasibility

Alec J. Ernst^1, and Olusegun S. Tomomewo¹

¹University of North Dakota, College of Engineering & Mines, Energy Studies, Grand Forks, USA

Cite this paper:
Alec J. Ernst and Olusegun S. Tomomewo. Analysis of Biomass, Converting Wood to Energy: Missouri as a Case Study in Feasibility. American Journal of Energy Research. 2022; 10(1):9-21. doi: 10.12691/ajer-10-1-2

Abstract

In 2021, the United States President, Joe Biden, launched an initiative to generate net-zero carbon emissions from the U.S. by 2050. In order to complete this task, commitments must be made to research the most efficient methods in production, transmission, and storage of alternative and renewable energy sources. Foreseen obstacles include capital costs,, environmental, wildlife, economical concerns, political agendas by state, fossil fuel prices, and concerns in greenhouse gas emissions. The development of sustainable, viable systems that promote health, safety, and economic growth must be coordinated with policy changes. The first step of the process at a local level is to baseline the production and consumption of the current energy systems in order to make an educated decision on which system or systems to utilize. If Missouri can expand its biomass energy generation mix, it will be able to drive down the current consumption to production ratio of 8:1, thus, expanding its overall energy mix and ultimately leaving the state in a position to sell energy to neighboring states. To test this hypothesis specifically, this writing investigates process risk, project value, design and building, decommission planning, flexibility, capacity, and adaptability. Journal entries, past issues, and projected issues have been rounded out to provide a projection for current and future success. This will better position Missouri to support the overall agenda of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 as Missouri appears to be well-positioned to launch a successful wood-to-energy program and well prepared to minimize dependency on energy imports outside their state border.

Keywords:
energy efficiency sustainability transition biomass to energy renewable energy energy systems

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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