New Partnership Ensures Future for North America’s Premier Database of Wood-to-Energy Producing/Consuming Facilities
U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities, Greenville, SCFor IMMEDIATE RELEASE (December 10, 2013)
The U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities (Endowment) today announced a new partnership with three associations representing various segments of the wood-to-energy sector. Under terms of the agreement, Biomass Power Association (BPA), Biomass Thermal Energy Council (BTEC), and the Pellet Fuels Institute (PFI) will join the Endowment and its foundational partner — the USDA Forest Service — in supporting continuation of www.Wood2Energy.ORG. The database is the most comprehensive accounting of wood-to-energy producing and consuming facilities across North America.
“Wood was the first energy source harnessed to meet human needs,” noted Endowment President & CEOCarlton Owen. “With significant advances in both efficiency and its environmental footprint wood will continue to play an important role in renewable, sustainable and forest-friendly energy needs for generations to come. Using a portion of wood leftover from forest management or removing smaller or defective trees for energy is a great way to enhance forest health, reduce wildfire hazard and improve productivity for private and public forest owners.”
“Energy from wood is one of the most reliable and productive forms of renewable energy available today,” said Bob Cleaves, President and CEO of Biomass Power Association. “By supporting Wood2Energy.org, we are committing to a comprehensive accounting of all power and heat generated by wood, on scales both small and large. Only through efforts like this will we be able to fully understand wood’s contribution to the nation’s economy and energy portfolio.”
“Our organizations joint support of the database recognizes the diverse—but often overlooked–technological applications of renewable biomass energy across the country,” said Joseph Seymour, BTECExecutive Director. “Information gleaned from this project will reinforce our message to policy makers,regulators, and thought leaders that biomass thermal energy is a win for rural communities, energyindependence, and job creation.”
Jennifer Hedrick, Executive Director of the Pellet Fuels Institute noted, “PFI is pleased to be working with the Endowment, BTEC, and BPA to support Wood2Energy.org. The opportunity to further educate wide- ranging audiences on wood’s use for thermal and power applications will help spotlight its role in meeting our nation’s energy needs.”
Wood2Energy.org was created in 2008 by the University of Tennessee (UT) through a grant from the Endowment and several funding partners – USDA Forest Service; Canadian Forest Service of Natural Resources Canada; American Forest & Paper Association; and Forest Products Association of Canada.
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For more information contact:
Carlton N. Owen, President & CEO, 864-233-7646, carlton@runslikeclock.work
The U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities (the Endowment) is a not-for-profit public charity working collaboratively with partners in the public and private sectors to advance systemic, transformative, and sustainable change for the health and vitality of the nation’s working forests andforest-reliant communities – www.usendowment.org
Robert Cleaves, Executive Director, 207-228-7376, rcleaves@biomasspowerassociation.com
The Biomass Power Association is the nation’s leading organization working to expand and advance the use of clean, renewable biomass power.
Joseph Seymour, Executive Director, 202-596-3974, Joseph.Seymour@biomassthermal.org
Biomass Thermal Energy Council is an association of biomass fuel producers, appliance manufacturers and distributors, supply chain companies and non-profit organizations that view biomass thermal energy as a renewable, responsible, clean and energy-efficient pathway to meeting America’s energy needs –www.biomassthermal.org
Jennifer Hedrick, Executive Director, 703-522-6778 x149, Hedrick@pelletheat.org
The Pellet Fuels Institute is a North American trade association promoting energy independence through the efficient use of clean, renewable, densified biomass fuel – www.pelletheat.org
