ISDA Releases Biotown, USA, Sourcebook on Biomass Energy

News Date April 17, 2006

        The Indiana State Department of Agriculture released the BioTown, USA, Sourcebook on Biomass Energy. The report is an in-depth analysis of energy consumption in Reynolds and the surrounding area, segmentation of the biomass industry and possible technologies to create energy. The study was authored by Mark Jenner, Ph.D., for the BioTown, USA, Taskforce.
        "As the BioTown, USA, Taskforce makes its decision on which technologies will be used for Phases II and III of the project, they will turn to the BioTown, USA, Sourcebook for guidance," said Indiana Agriculture Director Andy Miller.
        BioTown, USA, was launched in September 2005 in Reynolds, Ind. It is the country's first effort toward creating communities where all energy needs are met through the use of biorenewable resources. Phases II and III of the project include plans to use biomass to create electricity and a natural gas substitute. Biomass is considered any recently generated plant material, such as grain, grass, wood, or processed plant material such as paper, manure or other processed, plant-based wastes and residuals. Set in a rural area, Reynolds has access to many sources of biomass and is an ideal location for a digester, manure gasifier or a similar technology.
        The BioTown, USA, Taskforce, as well as residents and local officials who also received copies of the report, will now undertake a thorough review of the BioTown, USA, Sourcebook, which describes the Reynolds community, as well as its energy needs and opportunities. The taskforce will make a recommendation for a biomass technology and develop a proposed comprehensive plan for Reynolds. The timeframe for Phase II is to select a technology by early summer and break ground by the end of 2006.
        More information about BioTown, USA, and a complete copy of the BioTown, USA, Sourcebook on Biomass Energy can be found at http://www.biotownusa.com. BioTown, USA, is a project of ISDA with support from the Office of Energy and Defense Development.