This project aims to install and operate a 250 kW state-of-the-art biomass boiler plant, associated hot water distribution, and necessary heat exchangers that will satisfy the total heat requirements of the research greenhouse at the Energy Farm. In addition, the budget includes installation of instrumentation and student support to monitor performance and emissions from the system. Biomass for the boiler would be supplied by the Energy Farm at market cost. The plant will be used to:

(a) Demonstrate the feasibility of using non-densified energy grasses as a source for renewable
energy generation on campus
(b) Engage and familiarize F&S personnel with the design, installation, and operation of such
systems with a view to accelerate the adoption of renewable energy production on campus
(c) Support the education and training of students
( d) Create awareness in the larger community

The long-term vision of this project is that it lays the foundation for larger biomass projects that could directly supply renewable low carbon energy to the UIUC campus through Abbott power plant or other plants that feed energy to campus. At the current time, the energy farm produces over 500 tons of biomass each year without easily accessible energy market outlets. If campus were to become a viable market, expansion of the biomass crops grown could easily top 1000 tons per year, displacing 650 tons of coal currently used on campus. While that decrease would only equate to 1 % of current annual coal usage, it would pave the path for future expansion into renewable biomass.