REII is collaborating with researchers from the Desert Research Institute and the University of Nevada, Reno who are part of a $4.674 million study by the Gas Technology Institute to economically convert any leafy or woody biomass into a uniform, densified feedstock that can be easily fed into any thermal gasifer or pryolyzer for conversion into syngas, fuels and value-added chemicals. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), these initiatives are focused on the development of biomass types into a single, uniform feedstock of similar consistency and character.

“This work will directly address the nation’s high priority of increasing the supply of domestic and renewable energy by integrating advanced technology that improves the conversion of biomass into fuels and power,” said Sen. Harry Reid, who secured funding in an Energy and Water Appropriation for the project.

Experts note that reliable feeding systems must be engineered to accommodate different forms of biomass, a significant barrier that continues to hinder the global deployment of biomass-based energy production. Presently, some abundant biomass materials are not feasible energy feedstocks by virtue of the difficulty or cost of handling and preparing them for use.

The Renewable Energy Institute International (REII) is conducting a techno-economic analysis of different biomass-to-energy options at various locations in the State of Nevada.