Northeast Biomass Thermal Working Group_News & Media

Welcome The Northeast Biomass Thermal Working Group (NEBTWG) is a coalition of biomass thermal advocates committed to working together to advance the use of biomass for heating and CHP (combined heat and power) in the northeastern United States. News Northeast Biomass Heating Expo is coming to Burlington, VT! Washington, DC - January 14, 2016 - The Biomass Thermal Energy Council is proud to announce the 2016 Northeast Biomass Heating Expo which will draw hundreds of visitors from the U.S. and Canada to Burlington, VT from March 30th to April 1st, 2016 to attend what has become one of the premier biomass thermal energy conferences in the United States. What started out as “Heating the Northeast with Renewable Biomass” in 2009 has now grown into the Northeast Biomass Heating Expo, with over 1,500 individual attendees and 400 businesses, agencies, and organizations represented since that year. Bioenergy Experts from Government, Finance, Business, and Forestry to Assemble in Portland, Maine to Address Renewable Heating Market Challenges and Opportunities Portland, ME, April 1, 2015 – The Biomass Thermal Energy Council (BTEC), the leading voice for North American biomass and heating fuels technologies, today announced its conference program for the 7th annual Northeast Biomass Heating Expo 2015 (NEBHx). The region’s largest biomass heating conference will assess the challenges of biomass project financing, integrating heating systems into homes and businesses, continuing the sustainability of wood fuels, and much more. NEBTWG and BTEC Form 'Biomass Thermal Pavilion' at NEFI Energy Expo 2013, Invites Biomass Participation From June 11-12, the New England Fuel Institute (NEFI) will hold its annual NEFI Energy Expo in Foxborough, MA (Gilette Stadium). With its focus on fossil and bio-based liquid heating fuels and technologies, the NEFI Energy Expo is a prime venue to discuss heating alternatives like woody and non-woody biomass fuels and their respective heating technologies. NEBTWG is planning a robust Biomass Thermal presence during this important Northeastern energy event. BTEC is inviting NEBTWG to help represent the biomass industry through participation in booths 155 & 156. To participate, and email to Marc at today. Instructions are included on the form. Spots will be filled first come, first served. Northeastern Group Unveils Bulk Wood Pellet Delivery Recommendations, Seeks to Accelerate Renewable Heating Market November 26, 2012 The technical document provides recommendations for the safe and uniform delivery of biomass fuel for residential and commercial installations nationwide. Massachusetts CEC and Massachusetts DOER Co-host Webinar on Renewable Thermal Energy Study and Incentives The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center and the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources held a webinar on August 15, 2012 discussing the Renewable Heating and Cooling Study by Meister Consultants and the state's plans for developing and funding numerous pilot programs. Comment Period Open for Bulk Pellet Delivery Recommendations, Closes October 1, 2012 The Northeast Biomass Thermal Working Group (NEBTWG) invites feedback on an important recommendations and best practices for bulk wood pellet transportation and storage. The deadline for submitting comments is 5PM ET, October 1, 2012. Northeastern Businesses Urged to Request Support from Senators for New Biomass Thermal Tax Credit NEBTWG is busy reaching out to Northeastern businesses requesting help to recruit co-sponsors for, a bill to promote highly efficient commercial and industrial biomass thermal systems. You can help by sending a letter to your Northeastern Senator! Find your and mail in the letter. Good News From NEBTWG, June 2012 Access June's Good News From NEBTWG, May 2012 Companies, governments, and communities around the Northeast are making progress on biomass heating and combined heat and power (CHP) programs and projects, and we've collected a sample to share in May's "Good News from NEBTWG!" NEBTWG to Co-Host Heating the Midwest Conference and Expo, April 25-27 The inaugural Heating the Midwest Conference and Expo: Building the Vision will take place April 25 – 27 in Eau Claire, WI. The conference and expo will bring together leaders in the biomass thermal renewable energy industry to discuss and formulate strategies for expanding the use of biomass in the Midwest. NEBTWG is a proud co-host of this event. NEBTWG 2011-2012 Update at Northeast Biomass Heating Expo NEBTWG and BTEC Join Forces to Form 'Biomass Thermal Pavilion' at Building Energy 12 Expo NEBTWG is planning a robust biomass thermal presence during the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association's (NESEA) annual Building Energy Conference in Boston, MA, March 6 - 8. With its mission to advance sustainable energy practices, the NESEA Building Energy 12 show is the cross-disciplinary renewable energy and high performance building conference in the region, bringing together architects, engineers, builders, policymakers, developers and building managers. NEBTWG has available space to display biomass services, fuels, and appliances at Booth #1064. To participate, and email to Marc Caluwe at today. Instructions are included on the form. Spots will be filled first come, first served. USDA Grant Program Opens, Biomass Heating Technologies Eligible On Friday, January 20, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the notice of funding availability for the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) at $25.4 million which will support at least $12.5 million in grant program level and up to approximately $48.5 million for the guaranteed loan program. REAP provides grant, loans, and technical assistance funds for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects in rural-located and agricultural businesses. Biomass thermal technologies are eligible. NEBTWG Publishes State-by-State Home Heating Factsheet Series The eight factsheets describe each Northeastern state's reliance on imported fossil fuels and outline methods to build local thermal energy economies with renewable biomass thermal fuels and appliances. DC Thermal Summit Success: NEBTWG Leaders Engage Washington Policymakers on Biomass Heating Issues Over 50 biomass attendees from across the Northeast and U.S. visited and discussed renewable biomass heating with a combined 40+ congressional and federal offices during the first annual Biomass Thermal DC Summit. The EESI-sponsored biomass briefing, which featured NEBTWG Steering Committee Member Bill Strauss, reached near capacity. NEBTWG Co-Organizes, Adds Northeast Speaker to Nov. 16 DC Briefing on Biomass Thermal Energy The Congressional briefing will be held November 16 from 3:00PM to 4:30PM As part of the Biomass Thermal DC Summit, NEBTWG is working in conjunction with the Environmental and Energy Study Institute to produce the Congressional briefing, "Heating with Biomass: Win-Win for Households, Economic Development, Energy Security." The event will occur November 16 from 3:00PM ET to 4:30PM ET. Bill Strauss, NEBTWG Steering Committee Member, will present during the briefing. NEBTWG to Join November 16 Biomass 'Thermal Summit' to Promote Renewable Heating On November 16, 2011 in Washington, DC, NEBTWG will join with a coalition of rural, renewable energy, and natural resource interests from across the U.S. to engage policy makers and renewable energy-related groups on the substantial benefits of biomass thermal energy use. The public is invited to attend. Northeast Biomass Heating Expo 2012 Issues 'Save the Date' and Call for Abstracts The highly successful fourth-annual Northeast Biomass Heating Expo 2012 (formerly Heating the Northeast with Renewable Biomass) has announced its upcoming conference dates of March 22-23 in Saratoga Springs, NY, and a Call for Abstracts. The deadline for abstracts is December 1, 2011. NEBTWG Joins BTEC in Upcoming Webinar: Regional Perspectives on Biomass Energy: The Northeast This webinar will provide a current overview of biomass heating in the Northeast, discuss barriers and opportunities for market development and examine successful policies that promote biomass use in the Northeast. NEBTWG Leads Laundry List of Biomass Heating Achievements in Northeast Steering Committee Co-Chair Charlie Niebling details the progress made on biomass thermal policies in 2010 and 2011 September 2011 Issue NEBTWG Noted in National, Regional Thermal Update Industry publication Biomass Power & Thermal's August column connects NEBTWG's regional activities to national efforts July 28, 2011 Vermont Open to Biomass Thermal Energy in Comprehensive Energy Plan Now Until July 15 The state's Department of Public Service is accepting comments on the semi-yearly energy plan, and biomass advocates are urged to submit supportive comments regarding renewable thermal options July 6, 2011 Vermont Capital Residents OK Wood-Heating System Votes approve a bond that will support the connection of additional buildings to a biomass-fueled district energy system June 14, 2011 NEBTWG and Other Regional Efforts Profiled in Leading Trade Publication Biomass Power & Thermal editorial highlights the role of regional biomass advocacy groups. May 23, 2011 NEBTWG's "Call-to-Action" Collects Nearly 400 Signatures, Outlines Next Steps May 19, 2011 NEBTWG's "Call-to-Action" a Sign of Biomass Network, Coalition Growth May 16, 2011 Heating the Northeast Industry Tour Touts Successful Biomass Fuel Switches, Mascenic High Featured April 13, 2011 Vermont Looks to Expand Heating Incentive Program to Wood Pellet Systems March 30, 2011 NEBTWG Steering Committee's Charlie Niebling Urges Oil Heat Industry to Help Lead Biomass Heating Transition March 14, 2011 Oil Prices Accelerating; NE Biomass Advocates Rally for Renewable Energy February 28, 2011 With U.S. heating oil up 24 percent and rising; NEBTWG urges a 25 percent replacement of fossil fuels in the Northeastern U.S. by 2025 Heating the Northeast 2011 Conference Registration Now Open Early registrants save on entry fee and hotel accommodations February 17, 2011 This year’s Heating the Northeast Conference theme is “Moving Forward, Getting Results,” and it builds on the momentum from the generated from the Bold Vision for 2025. Explore your market options, network with industry partners, learn what changes are on the horizon. NEBTWG Mobilizes Network to Contact Senators, Attend DC Biomass Briefing February 9, 2011 NEBTWG Steering Committee's Bill Strauss Calls on Maine to Decrease Heating Oil Dependency with Biomass February 3, 2011 NEBTWG's Northeast Conference Inspires Midwest Biomass Event Heating the Midwest with Renewable Biomass Summit is set for February 9, in Carlton, Minnesota January 31, 2011 USDA Secretary Vilsack Responds to NEBTWG Letter The letter outlines USDA's support for thermal energy and continued dialogue January 26, 2011 Maine Residents Increasing Use of Wood Heat, Part of Recent Trend January 3, 2011 As Tux Turkel of the Portland Press Herald writes, the use of wood for home heating among Mainers has increased compared to a decline in oil heating. Several factors are at play in this home heating trend, including fluctuating fossil fuel prices and tax incentives. NEBTWG Expresses Concern Toward EPA's Biomass Heating Article December 7, 2010 Eight NEBTWG coalition members sent a letter to EPA Region 1 Administrator Curt Spaulding urging the agency to revisit its comparisons between biomass and fossil heating fuels. The letter was in response to an EPA press release on Nov. 22, “With Cooler Weather, Advice to New Englanders for Safer, Cleaner Wood-Burning.” NEBTWG, Northern Forest Center, and 180+ Co-signers Call on USDA to Reconize Biomass Heating Fuels November 20, 2010 As part of a continuing effort to expand the use of biomass heating fuels in reducing reliance on foreign oil, more than 180 individuals, organizations, and businesses, signed a letter to Secretary Vilsack regarding USDA's "National Biofuels Strategy." NEBTWG has shared the letter with state USDA officials, FSA offices, EPA Region 1 & 2 offices, and the Northeast's congressional delegation.NEBTWG Profiled for Grassroots Biomass Activity October 21, 2010 The Northeast Biomass Thermal Working Group (NEBTWG) was highlighted in Biomass Power & Thermal Magazine for its rapid response and turnout regarding upcoming USDA National Biofuels Strategy public hearings. As Heating Season Nears, Group Calls for 25 Percent of Heating Needs in the Northeast to come from Renewable Energy October 5, 2010 Today, the Northeast Biomass Thermal Working Group (NEBTWG) called on legislators and state officials in the northeastern U.S. to begin work on meeting 25% of heating needs with renewable energy. The group’s plan, Heating the Northeast with Renewable Biomass: A Bold Vision for 2025, details the path towards a 25% replacement of the Northeast’s fossil fuel use in heating with renewable sources of energy. Access NEBTWG's New State-by-State Heating Cost Factsheets NEBTWG is underwritten by proceeds from: Northeast Biomass Thermal Working Group