Grapple Skidder Moving Woody Biomass

Southern Research Station scientists are studying the viability of producing energy from woody biomass. Researchers are using a gasification-combustion-electricity generation unit to produce up to 25 kilowatts, enough electricity to operate a Forest Service ranger district office and to return some electricity to the power grid. The system burns wood chips (collected from forest thinning operations) as well as pellets, nut shells, or other material. Researchers may also convert the gas to liquid transportation fuels such as synthetic diesel or ethanol for use in Forest Service vehicles.