NREL is a national laboratory of the U.S. Department of Energy

Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy

Operated by the Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC.

This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable Energy

Laboratory (NREL) at www.nrel.gov/publications.

Contract No. DE-AC36-08GO28308

Putney Basketville Site 

Biomass CHP Analysis

Randolph Hunsberger and Gail Mosey

Produced under direction of the U.S. Environmental Protection 

Agency (EPA) by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 

under Interagency Agreement IAG-08-0719 and Task No. 

WFD3.1001.

Technical Report

NREL/TP-5D00-58803

October 2013
NREL is a national laboratory of the U.S. Department of Energy

Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy

Operated by the Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC.

This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable Energy

Laboratory (NREL) at www.nrel.gov/publications.

Contract No. DE-AC36-08GO28308

National Renewable Energy Laboratory

15013 Denver West Parkway

Golden, CO 80401

303-275-3000 • www.nrel.gov

Putney Basketville Site 

Biomass CHP Analysis

Randolph Hunsberger and Gail Mosey 

Prepared under Task No. WFD3.1001

Technical Report

NREL/TP-5D00-58803

October 2013
NOTICE

This report was prepared as an account of work sponsored by an agency of the United States government. 

Neither the United States government nor any agency thereof, nor any of their employees, makes any warranty, 

express or implied, or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of 

any information, apparatus, product, or process disclosed, or represents that its use would not infringe privately 

owned rights. Reference herein to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, 

trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, 

or favoring by the United States government or any agency thereof. The views and opinions of authors

expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the United States government or any agency thereof.

This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 

at www.nrel.gov/publications.

Available electronically at http://www.osti.gov/bridge

Available for a processing fee to U.S. Department of Energy

and its contractors, in paper, from:

U.S. Department of Energy

Office of Scientific and Technical Information

P.O. Box 62 

Oak Ridge, TN 37831-0062

phone: 865.576.8401

fax: 865.576.5728

email: mailto:reports@adonis.osti.gov

Available for sale to the public, in paper, from:

U.S. Department of Commerce

National Technical Information Service

5285 Port Royal Road

Springfield, VA 22161

phone: 800.553.6847

fax: 703.605.6900

email: orders@ntis.fedworld.gov

online ordering: http://www.ntis.gov/help/ordermethods.aspx

Cover Photos: (left to right) photo by Pat Corkery, NREL 16416, photo from SunEdison, NREL 17423, photo by Pat Corkery, NREL 

16560, photo by Dennis Schroeder, NREL 17613, photo by Dean Armstrong, NREL 17436, photo by Pat Corkery, NREL 17721.

Printed on paper containing at least 50% wastepaper, including 10% post consumer waste. 
iii

Acknowledgments

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) thanks the U.S. Environmental Protection 

Agency (EPA) for its interest in securing NREL’s technical expertise. 

Special thanks go to Susan McMahon and Cullen Meves of the Windham Regional Commission 

and Daniel Hoviss of E-Solutions. I would also like to thank all of the people from the Putney 

vicinity who attended various meetings held during the NREL site visit in September 2012. 

Thanks also go to Lura Matthews, Jessica Trice, and Shea Jones of EPA and Katie Brown, 

AAAS Science & Technology Policy fellow hosted by EPA. 

The following people also provided material help in this analysis: 

• Hervey Scudder of NECSIS provided several papers used for background data in 

this report.

• Dave Harris and Tom Moore, formerly of Putney Paper, provided thermal and electric 

use data for their facilities. 

• Donald Lorraine provided help on Green Mountain Power’s interconnection options. 

• Jennifer Hushaw, Charles Levesque, and Eric Kingsley of Innovative Natural Resource 

Solutions provided help with the biomass resource analysis and in determining values for 

the BPE model inputs. 

This report is available at no cost from the 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 

at www.nrel.gov/publications.
iv

Executive Summary

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Office of Solid Waste and Emergency 

Response Center for Program Analysis developed the RE-Powering America’s Land initiative to 

reuse contaminated sites for renewable energy generation when aligned with the community’s 

vision for the site. 

The Putney, Vermont, Basketville site, formerly the location of a basket-making facility and a 

paper mill and woolen mill, was selected for a feasibility study under the program. Biomass was 

chosen as the renewable energy resource based on abundant woody-biomass resources available 

in the area. Biomass combined heat and power (CHP) was selected as the technology due to 

nearby loads, including Putney Paper and Landmark College. 

Results

Estimates of available low-grade biomass, suitable for a biomass thermal, electric, or CHP 

facility, range from 78,000 to 380,000 green tons per year, depending on certain assumptions and 

on the collection region specified. Feedstock requirements for a biomass CHP facility serving 

Putney Paper’s thermal load of 30,000 pounds per hour, and providing 600-kW electric gross, 

are expected to be between 36,000 and 44,000 green tons per year. Thus, it would appear that 

local biomass resources are adequate for the described facility—but these numbers should be 

confirmed, as described below. 

Table ES-1 provides an estimate of the number of delivery trucks per day at Putney Paper for 

various fuels.

Table ES-1. Truck Deliveries for Putney Paper 

Fuel Type Capacity Units Trucks Per 

Day

Fuel oil No. 2 2,500 gallons 2–3

Fuel oil No. 2 4,000 gallons 1–2

Compressed natural gas (CNG) 350,000 scf1 2–3

Biomass 20 tons 5–6

Biomass 30 tons 4–5

Displacing compressed natural gas (CNG) or fuel oil with biomass would add between one and 

four trucks per day, on average, depending on the delivery capacity of the current fuel oil and 

future biomass trucks. 

Utility bill savings are estimated at $6 million per year; biomass costs at $1.1 million to 

$2.2 million per year, and non-fuel operation and maintenance costs at $1.6 million to 

$1.7 million per year. Capital costs have been estimated to be $9 million to $11 million.

Solar on the Site

In May 2013 it was announced that Greg Wilson, the owner of the Basketville site, had 

contracted to install a 156-kW solar photovoltaic (PV) system on the site. This is located at the 

north end of the site and is currently operational. 

 

1 scf = standard cubic foot

This report is available at no cost from the 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 

at www.nrel.gov/publications.
v 

Recommendations and Next Steps

Based on preliminary numbers, biomass-fired CHP is potentially a good option for the 

Basketville site. Further analysis should be undertaken to confirm assumptions used in this 

report, particularly biomass availability and cost, equipment sizing and cost, and operation and 

maintenance costs.

The impact of truck traffic should be evaluated for any biomass facility. As configured, this site 

should receive fewer than six trucks per day, seven days per week, although these would be 

offset by the elimination of propane and oil truck deliveries. 

Local residents have concerns regarding air emissions from a biomass facility. The particulate 

emissions in particular should be quantified and weighed against emissions from the current 

burning of No. 6 oil. 

This report is available at no cost from the 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 

at www.nrel.gov/publications.
vi 

Table of Contents

1 Background........................................................................................................................................... 1

1.1 Scope of Work ............................................................................................................................... 1

1.2 Study Level and Uncertainty ......................................................................................................... 1

2 Development of Biomass Energy on Superfund Sites ..................................................................... 2

3 Site Description .................................................................................................................................... 3

3.1 Site Ownership and History .......................................................................................................... 4

3.2 Putney Village and Basketville Site Layout .................................................................................. 4

3.3 Site and Town Photographs ........................................................................................................... 7

3.4 Utility Provider ............................................................................................................................ 13

3.5 Solar on the Site .......................................................................................................................... 14

3.6 Recommended Activities for Next-Level Analysis ..................................................................... 14

4 Biomass Feedstock: Properties, Cost, and Availability ................................................................. 15

4.1 Biomass Properties ...................................................................................................................... 15

4.2 Biomass Cost ............................................................................................................................... 16

4.3 Biomass Resource ....................................................................................................................... 17

4.3.1 Renewable Energy Atlas of Vermont ............................................................................. 17

4.3.2 Putney Village Analysis ................................................................................................. 17

4.3.3 Southern Vermont Analysis ........................................................................................... 18

4.3.4 Northern Forest Biomass Project Evaluator Model ....................................................... 20

4.3.5 Biomass Energy Resource Center Vermont Wood Fuel Supply Study 2010 Update .... 23

4.3.6 Feedstock Summary ....................................................................................................... 24

4.4 Recommended Activities for Next-Level Analysis ..................................................................... 24

5 Bioenergy Overview ........................................................................................................................... 25

5.1 Bioenergy Equipment Determination .......................................................................................... 26

5.2 Thermal Energy Only .................................................................................................................. 26

5.3 Power Generation Only ............................................................................................................... 27

5.4 Combined Heat and Power .......................................................................................................... 27

5.5 District Heating ........................................................................................................................... 30

5.6 Biopower System Components ................................................................................................... 31

5.6.1 Fuel Receiving, Storage, and Handling .......................................................................... 31

5.6.2 Combustion System and Steam Generator ..................................................................... 32

5.6.3 Steam Turbine ................................................................................................................ 32

5.6.4 Air Pollution Control ...................................................................................................... 33

5.6.5 Condenser, Cooling Tower ............................................................................................ 33

6 State and Local Energy and Utility Details ...................................................................................... 35

6.1 U.S. Energy Information Administration .................................................................................... 35

6.2 Historical Fuel Costs ................................................................................................................... 37

6.3 Renewable Energy in Vermont ................................................................................................... 39

6.4 Vermont Town Energy Data ....................................................................................................... 39

6.5 Vermont’s Electricity Portfolio ................................................................................................... 39

6.6 Site Electric Utility Information .................................................................................................. 40

6.6.1 Feed-In Tariff Program .................................................................................................. 40

6.6.2 Heating Fuel in Putney ................................................................................................... 41

6.7 Recommended Activities for Next-Level Analysis ..................................................................... 42

6.7.1 Potential Off-Takers and Loads ..................................................................................... 42

6.8 Landmark College ....................................................................................................................... 42

6.8.1 Thermal Details .............................................................................................................. 43

6.8.2 Electrical Details ............................................................................................................ 47

6.8.3 Electricity Use and Cost ................................................................................................. 48

This report is available at no cost from the 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 

at www.nrel.gov/publications.
vii 

6.9 Putney Paper ................................................................................................................................ 48

6.9.1 Putney Paper Operations and Utility Details .................................................................. 49

6.9.2 Electrical Details ............................................................................................................ 50

6.9.3 Thermal Details .............................................................................................................. 50

6.9.4 Analysis .......................................................................................................................... 50

6.9.5 Utility Cost Reduction .................................................................................................... 51

6.9.6 Biomass Consumption and Cost .................................................................................... 51

6.9.7 Biomass System Capital Costs ....................................................................................... 54

6.9.8 Biomass System Operation and Maintenance Costs ...................................................... 55

6.10 Truck Traffic Impact of Various Fuels ........................................................................................ 56

6.10.1 Fuel Oil ........................................................................................................................... 56

6.10.2 Compressed Natural Gas ................................................................................................ 56

6.10.3 Biomass .......................................................................................................................... 56

6.10.4 Trucks Summary for Putney Paper ................................................................................ 57

6.11 Recommended Activities for Next-Level Analysis ..................................................................... 57

7 Codes and Regulations...................................................................................................................... 58

7.1 State and Local Codes and Regulations ...................................................................................... 58

7.2 Federal Codes and Regulations ................................................................................................... 60

8 Conclusions and Recommendations ............................................................................................... 62

Appendix A. Green Mountain Power....................................................................................................... 63

Notes From Meeting With Green Mountain Power ............................................................................. 63

Green Mountain Power—Letter of Support ......................................................................................... 63

Appendix B. NEFA BPE Model Details.................................................................................................... 65

Appendix C. Nearby Biomass Projects................................................................................................... 71

Pellets ................................................................................................................................................... 71

Biomass ................................................................................................................................................ 71

North Springfield Sustainable Energy Project...................................................................................... 72

Appendix D. Site Visit ............................................................................................................................... 73

Public Meeting ..................................................................................................................................... 73

Meeting with Putney Paper .................................................................................................................. 74

Appendix E. Putney Paper Letter of Support......................................................................................... 76

Appendix F. Solar Option......................................................................................................................... 77

Solar Energy is an Economic Engine ................................................................................................... 77

PV System Mockup .............................................................................................................................. 78

Solar Shading Analysis ........................................................................................................................ 78

Analysis of North Section, With Trees Removed ....................................................................... 79

Shading Losses ............................................................................................................................ 80

System Output Results ......................................................................................................................... 80

Total System Output ............................................................................................................................. 81

Analyzing the Results ........................................................................................................................... 81

Analysis of North Section, With Trees in Place .......................................................................... 81

Shading Losses ............................................................................................................................ 82

System Output Results ......................................................................................................................... 82

Total System Output ............................................................................................................................. 83

Analyzing the Results ........................................................................................................................... 83

Analysis of South Section ........................................................................................................... 83

Solar Path .................................................................................................................................... 83

Shading Losses ............................................................................................................................ 84

System Output Results ......................................................................................................................... 84

Total System Output ............................................................................................................................. 85

Analyzing the Results ........................................................................................................................... 85

This report is available at no cost from the 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 

at www.nrel.gov/publications.
viii

List of Figures

Figure 1. Map showing location of Windham region in southeastern Vermont ........................................... 3

Figure 2. Putney Village Center map ............................................................................................................ 5

Figure 3. Putney Basketville site (outline) overlaid on an aerial photograph ............................................... 6

Figure 4. Putney site and surrounding local buildings .................................................................................. 7

Figure 5. Mountain Paul’s General Store with the Basketville site in the background ................................ 8

Figure 6. Photo of the site viewed across Bellows Falls Road ..................................................................... 9

Figure 7. View of the site over the fence. ..................................................................................................... 9

Figure 8. Two of the site buildings ............................................................................................................. 10

Figure 9. Inside one of the site buildings .................................................................................................... 11

Figure 10. Inside a site building with large delivery doors ......................................................................... 11

Figure 11. More site buildings .................................................................................................................... 12

Figure 12. Large roll-up door on a site building ......................................................................................... 13

Figure 13. Southeast Clean Energy Application Center's Wood Energy Calculator .................................. 16

Figure 14. Region included in first analysis using the Renewable Energy Atlas of Vermont tool ............. 17

Figure 15. Southern Vermont region for REA analysis .............................................................................. 19

Figure 16. BPE model estimates of accessible quantities of biomass around Putney, Vermont ................ 21

Figure 17. BPE results for Basketville ........................................................................................................ 23

Figure 18. Direct-fired biopower system .................................................................................................... 25

Figure 19. Thermal only biomass energy system........................................................................................ 26

Figure 20. Power generation only biomass energy system (cooling tower not shown) .............................. 27

Figure 21. CHP main steam extraction ....................................................................................................... 28

Figure 22. CHP extraction turbine .............................................................................................................. 29

Figure 23. CHP backpressure turbine ......................................................................................................... 29

Figure 24. Biomass storage options: (left) a fuel yard and (right) a fuel silo ............................................. 31

Figure 25. Historic thermal energy prices in Vermont ............................................................................... 38

Figure 26. Fuel oil delivery truck passing through Putney ......................................................................... 41

Figure 27. Propane tanks outside the Putney General Store ....................................................................... 41

Figure 28. Aerial view showing the Basketville site and Landmark College ............................................. 43

Figure 29. Annualized propane use at Landmark College .......................................................................... 44

Figure 30. Oil use at Landmark College ..................................................................................................... 46

Figure 31. Total thermal energy use at Landmark College ......................................................................... 47

Figure 32. Relationship between the site and Putney Paper ....................................................................... 49

Figure 33. SSAT model of the current Putney Paper steam system with no steam turbine ........................ 52

Figure 34. SSAT model for Putney Paper, with CHP system installed, at Basketville site ........................ 53

Figure 35. Biomass feedstock preparation and handling capital costs as a function of throughput Data 

source: US EPA ..................................................................................................................... 55

Figure A-1. Green Mountain Power letter of support ................................................................................. 64

Figure B-1. BPE model—projected biomass availability ........................................................................... 70

Figure E-1. Letter of support from Putney Paper ........................................................................................ 76

Figure F-1. Potential PV system layouts ..................................................................................................... 78

Figure F-2. Basketvilleno—Sun path.......................................................................................................... 79

Figure F-3. Basketvilleno—Monthly losses ............................................................................................... 80

Figure F-4. Basketvilleno—System output ................................................................................................. 80

Figure F-5. Basketville 1—Sun path ........................................................................................................... 81

Figure F-6. Basketville 1—Monthly losses ................................................................................................ 82

Figure F-7. Basketville 1—System output .................................................................................................. 82

Figure F-8. Basketville South—Sun path ................................................................................................... 83

Figure F-9. Basketville South—Monthly shading losses ............................................................................ 84

Figure F-10. Basketville South—System output ........................................................................................ 84

This report is available at no cost from the 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 

at www.nrel.gov/publications.
ix

List of Tables

Table ES-1. Truck Deliveries for Putney Paper ........................................................................................... iv

Table 1. Project Sites Using Woody Biomass to Produce Thermal Energy in Southern Vermont............. 20

Table 2. Terms Used in BPE Analysis ........................................................................................................ 22

Table 3. Contacts for Assessing Biomass Resources and Cost ................................................................... 24

Table 4. Mills .............................................................................................................................................. 24

Table 5. EIA Residential Data, 2011 .......................................................................................................... 36

Table 6. EIA Commercial Data, 2011 (EIA Table 6) ................................................................................. 36

Table 7. EIA Industrial Data, 2011 (EIA Table 6) ...................................................................................... 37

Table 8. Vermont Heating Fuel Prices for 2013 ......................................................................................... 38

Table 9. Oil Deliveries at Landmark College ............................................................................................. 45

Table 10. Landmark College FY 2012 Electric Energy Consumption and Power Demand ....................... 48

Table 11. Landmark College FY 2012 Electric Energy Consumption and Power Demand Cost .............. 48

Table 12. Back-Pressure Steam Turbine Design Parameters ...................................................................... 51

Table 13. SSA Model Results Comparing Current Operations to CHP Option ......................................... 54

Table 14. Biomass System O&M Costs...................................................................................................... 55

Table 15. Truck Capacities for Various Fuels ............................................................................................ 57

Table 16. Truck Deliveries for Putney Paper .............................................................................................. 57

Table B-1. NEFA BPE Biomass Data—Massachusetts ............................................................................. 65

Table B-2. NEFA BPE Biomass Data—New Hampshire .......................................................................... 66

Table B-3. NEFA BPE Biomass Data—Vermont ...................................................................................... 66

Table B-4. NEFA BPE Assumptions .......................................................................................................... 67

Table B-5. BPE Growth Summary Report .................................................................................................. 68

Table B-6. BPE Growth and Available Volume, 20-Year Projections ....................................................... 69

Table E-1. Putney Meeting Agenda ............................................................................................................ 73

This report is available at no cost from the 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 

at www.nrel.gov/publications.
1 

1 Background

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Office of Solid Waste and Emergency 

Response Center for Program Analysis developed the RE-Powering America’s Land initiative to 

reuse contaminated sites for renewable energy generation. EPA engaged the U.S. Department of 

Energy’s (DOE) National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to conduct feasibility studies

to assess the viability of developing renewable-energy-generating facilities on contaminated 

sites. The former Basketville manufacturing site in Putney, Vermont, was selected as one 

feasibility study under the program.

The area surrounding the site has ample woody biomass to support a bioenergy project (see 

Section 6). There is potential to sell electricity or steam to Putney Paper, which is located across 

the street from the site, and to Landmark College, which is within one-half mile of the site.

1.1 Scope of Work

This study evaluates the feasibility of installing either a heating plant or a combined heat and 

power (CHP) plant using woody biomass as feedstock and serving a nearby load. 

The site and property are described in Section 3. Biomass properties, costs, and availability are 

covered in Section 4. State and regional energy use are described in Section 6, as are potential 

off-takers and associated loads. Codes and regulations are covered in Section 7. 

1.2 Study Level and Uncertainty

This study is intended to be a high-level analysis, to serve as the first step toward deciding if 

conditions are favorable for a biomass project at the Putney Basketville site. As such, there is 

uncertainty in some key study components, including biomass availability and cost, equipment 

costs, operation and maintenance costs, and annual energy use. 

Recommendations are provided in each section for next steps that will further reduce these 

uncertainties in the next level of analysis.

This report is available at no cost from the 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 

at www.nrel.gov/publications.
2 

2 Development of Biomass Energy on Superfund 

Sites 

One promising and innovative use of contaminated sites is to repurpose them for biomass heating 

and power systems. Biomass systems work well on Superfund sites where there is an adequate 

biomass fuel supply and favorable energy sales rates.

The cleanup and reuse of potentially contaminated properties provides many benefits, including: 

• Preserving greenfields

• Reducing blight and improving the appearance of a community 

• Raising property values 

• Creating jobs 

• Allowing for access to existing infrastructure, including electric transmission lines 

and roads 

• Enabling a potentially contaminated property to return to a productive and 

sustainable use.

By taking advantage of these potential benefits, biopower can provide a viable, beneficial 

reuse—in many cases generating revenue on a site that would otherwise go unused. 

The site in Putney, Vermont, is owned by Greg Wilson, who is also the owner of the Basketville

basket company. The site under review is a former manufacturing site and is currently for sale.

Wilson is interested in a potential renewable energy project on the site. As with many 

contaminated or formerly contaminated sites, the local community has significant interest in the 

redevelopment of the site, and community engagement is critical to match future reuse options to 

the community’s vision for the site. 

The subject site has potential to be used for other functions beyond the biopower project 

proposed in this report. Any potential use should align with the community vision for the site and 

work to enhance the overall utility of the property. 

Most states rely heavily on fossil fuels to operate their power plants. There are many compelling 

reasons to consider moving toward renewable energy sources for power generation instead of 

fossil fuels, including: 

• Using fossil fuels to produce power might not be sustainable 

• Burning fossil fuels can have negative effects on human health and the environment 

• Extracting and transporting fossil fuels can lead to accidental spills, which can be 

damaging to the environment and communities 

• Fluctuating electric costs are associated with fossil-fuel-based power plants 

• Burning fossil fuels emits greenhouse gases, possibly contributing to climate change. 

This report is available at no cost from the 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 

at www.nrel.gov/publications.
3 

3 Site Description

The property for this analysis is located at 7 Bellows Falls Road in Putney, Vermont. The 

property is approximately 6.1 acres; there are seven buildings on the site, some of which might 

be salvageable. Some of these buildings are currently used for storage and range in size from 

192 ft2 to 10,680 ft2. 

According to the application for the EPA RE-Powering study, a draft Corrective Action Plan 

(CAP) was developed in 2007 for the proposed reuse of the site as a 44-unit affordable housing 

development. Unfortunately, the redevelopment did not happen, so the CAP was not finalized. 

This CAP proposed to utilize clean fill to serve as a barrier to contaminated soils. 

The RE-Powering application (p. 3) also states:

Previous discussions about biomass in Putney have revealed community concern 

about the impacts of biomass combustion upon air quality and truck traffic. In 

addition, a possible limitation of the site, which needs further evaluation, is 

access/egress for delivery vehicles.

Figure 1 is a map of the northeastern United States from the RE-Powering application, showing 

the Windham region in southeastern Vermont. Putney is in the Windham region, very close to 

the border of New Hampshire.

Figure 1. Map showing location of Windham region in southeastern Vermont

Source: WRC

Putney is in need of additional housing and jobs. This property has previously been considered as 

a location for apartments. As noted in the document Sacketts Brook Sustainability Center 

This report is available at no cost from the 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 

at www.nrel.gov/publications.
4 

Putney’s Green Business Incubator,2

 “Putney needs more housing but Putney also needs more 

mid to high paying jobs. Simply creating housing will cause the lack of jobs to be a greater 

problem, and simply creating more jobs (or retail space) will exacerbate the existing housing 

problems.” The current report considers bioenergy for this property, which will create additional 

jobs but will not address the housing issue. 

3.1 Site Ownership and History

Records indicate that the property has been used for manufacturing various products since at 

least 1889, beginning with a wool mill factory, which was converted to a paper mill in about 

1899. A basket production facility existed on the site from about 1969 to 2002. 

Some environmental contamination occurred on the site during its time as a wool mill and as a 

paper mill. In addition, an underground storage tank, which was removed in 1998, seems to have 

leaked No. 2 fuel oil into the soil.

The site is adjacent to a general store, which sells gasoline. Indications are that the underground 

tanks at the general store might have leaked gasoline into the groundwater and soil.

Other possible contaminants on the site include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the 

staining of baskets and lead from paint used on the site’s buildings. 

3.2 Putney Village and Basketville Site Layout

Figure 2 is a map of the Putney Village Center. The Basketville site investigated in this analysis 

is depicted by the red dashed line at the top of the map. 

 

2 “Sacketts Brook Sustainability Center Redevelopment Proposal.” Accessed June 19, 2013: 

http://energy.putney.net/files/docs/eco-park.pdf. 

http://projects.putney.net/basketville/slideshow/Basketville.html. 

This report is available at no cost from the 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 

at www.nrel.gov/publications.
5 

Figure 2. Putney Village Center map

Source: WRC

The site is in the shape of a large goldfish, as shown in Figure 3, which puts north at the left and 

east on top. The site has since been extended to include additional acres at the tail end of 

the property. 

This report is available at no cost from the 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 

at www.nrel.gov/publications.
6 

Figure 3. Putney Basketville site (outline) overlaid on an aerial photograph

Source: WRC

Figure 4 is a map of the site (with north at the top) showing the site in relation to some of the 

local buildings, including the Basketville store, the Putney Paper Company offices and mill, and 

other downtown buildings. The Putney Paper Mill is a potential purchaser of electric and thermal 

energy produced at the site. Arrows at the south end of the site indicate potential truck access 

routes—one to the south of Mountain Paul’s General Store and one to the north. 

This report is available at no cost from the 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 

at www.nrel.gov/publications.
7 

Figure 4. Putney site and surrounding local buildings

Source: WRC

3.3 Site and Town Photographs 

The following photographs were taken by NREL during the site visit in September 2012. 

Figure 5 is a view looking north along Route 5, with Mountain Paul’s General Store in the left 

foreground. The site access is not visible but is just behind the black truck in the picture. 

This report is available at no cost from the 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 

at www.nrel.gov/publications.
8 

Figure 5. Mountain Paul’s General Store with the Basketville site in the background. Photo by 

Randolph Hunsberger, NREL

Figure 6 is a view of the site access, taken from the opposite side of Bellows Falls Road. This 

view is looking down the primary access route, to the left of the fence. The driveway drops 

sharply from the road, which can cause problems for long trucks. The site is on the right in 

this picture.

This report is available at no cost from the 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 

at www.nrel.gov/publications.
9 

Figure 6. Photo of the site viewed across Bellows Falls Road. Photo by Randolph Hunsberger, 

NREL

Figure 7 is a picture of the site from outside the boundary fence looking west. 

Figure 7. View of the site over the fence. Photo by Randolph Hunsberger, NREL

This report is available at no cost from the 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 

at www.nrel.gov/publications.
10 

Figure 8 shows Buildings 5 and 4 (as designated in Figure 4). The windows of Building 5 are 

covered with plastic.

Figure 8. Two of the site buildings. Photo by Randolph Hunsberger, NREL

Figure 9 was taken inside of one of the buildings that could potentially be used for storage of 

wood chips or for locating equipment. 

This report is available at no cost from the 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 

at www.nrel.gov/publications.
11 

Figure 9. Inside one of the site buildings. Photo by Randolph Hunsberger, NREL

Another building that might be useful for storage or equipment placement is shown in Figure 10. 

Figure 10. Inside a site building with large delivery doors. Photo by Randolph Hunsberger, NREL

This report is available at no cost from the 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 

at www.nrel.gov/publications.
12 

Figure 11 shows another view of buildings and interior roads on the site, looking north. 

Buildings labeled 4, 5, and 6 in Figure 4 are on the left; the corner of Building 1 is on the right of 

the photo. 

Figure 11. More site buildings. Photo by Randolph Hunsberger, NREL

Another possible storage building is shown in Figure 12. 

This report is available at no cost from the 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 

at www.nrel.gov/publications.
13 

Figure 12. Large roll-up door on a site building. Photo by Randolph Hunsberger, NREL

3.4 Utility Provider

Green Mountain Power (GMP) is the utility serving the Town of Putney. GMP has a strong 

record of commitment to renewable energy projects in the region. GMP has expressed specific 

support for the “Baskets to Biomass” feasibility study and eventual deployment of the project. A 

letter of support from GMP is included in Appendix A. 

This report is available at no cost from the 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 

at www.nrel.gov/publications.
14 

3.5 Solar on the Site

In May 2013 it was announced that Greg Wilson, owner of the Basketville site, had contracted to 

install a 156-kW solar photovoltaic (PV) system on the site. This system is located at the north 

end of the site and is currently operational. 

3.6 Recommended Activities for Next-Level Analysis

Existing bioenergy facilities range in size from a few acres up to hundreds of acres. Some of this 

space is required for equipment and some for feedstock storage. As part of a next-level analysis, 

it is important to determine the space required by an appropriate bioenergy facility, including 

fuel storage, and determine that it is compatible with other potential uses for the site.

Some of the buildings might be reused for a bioenergy facility, which would reduce capital costs. 

The buildings should be inspected by a structural engineer to confirm that they are safe for reuse.

This report is available at no cost from the 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 

at www.nrel.gov/publications.
15 

4 Biomass Feedstock: Properties, Cost, and 

Availability

In this section, we look at woody feedstock properties and availability for a biomass facility 

in Putney. 

4.1 Biomass Properties

Several important properties of biomass determine the operating success of a biomass heat or 

power facility, including energy content, moisture content (MC),3 and ash content. Fuel handling 

and processing procedures determine wood cleanliness and chip size, which can significantly

affect system reliability and maintenance.

In Vermont, wood MC typically ranges from 40% in summer and fall to 50% in winter. MC

affects the efficiency of a biomass combustion process in a non-linear manner. For example, 

biomass might contain 4,000 Btu per pound of recoverable energy at 40% MC, and with 50% 

MC the recoverable energy may only be 3,133 Btu per pound. This represents a loss of more 

than 21% of the energy value. If prices are not adjusted based on feedstock moisture content, the 

cost per Btu greatly increases with increasing moisture content. 

To explore the effect of moisture content on energy production, the Southeast Clean Energy 

Application Center’s Wood Energy Calculator is useful.

4 See Figure 13 for an example of the 

program’s inputs and outputs. 

 

3 In this report, moisture content is specified on a wet basis [i.e., MC, wb = weight of water ÷ (weight of water + 

weight of dry wood)]. In some industries, moisture content is reported on a dry basis (i.e., MC, db = weight of water 

÷ weight of dry wood). Note that 50% MC, wb = 100% MC, db. 4 Southeast Clean Energy Application Center. “Wood Energy Calculator.” Accessed June 19, 2013: 

http://www.southeastcleanenergy.org/resources/calculators.aspx. 

This report is available at no cost from the 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 

at www.nrel.gov/publications.
16 

Figure 13. Southeast Clean Energy Application Center's Wood Energy Calculator

Source: DOE

4.2 Biomass Cost

An important factor in assessing the feasibility of a biomass project is the cost of the resource. 

We estimate that this material would have a delivered price of $30–$50 per green ton.5 The 

North Springfield Biomass report6 estimates a biomass delivered cost (for North Springfield) 

as follows: 

INRS projects that the ‘wood component’ of biomass fuel for this location will 

average $27.00 per green ton in 2011, and increase annually by 3%. In order to 

get a final delivered price, 2.1 times the price of gallon of diesel should be added; 

for example, if diesel averages $4.00 per gallon in 2011, the average delivered 

cost for biomass fuel is projected to be $34.40. 

Diesel fuel is a significant component of the price, as it is used to fuel the delivery trucks, as well 

as the equipment used to harvest and process the biomass. 

 

5 In the Biomass Energy Development working group report, Thomas D. Emero, Managing Director - Development 

& Operations for Beaver Wood Energy, LLC, states, “Harvesters are desperately in need of a market such as the one 

the power plant will create where they can bring this material. The market price for forest residue is currently and 

has been for many years around $30.00/ton” (p. 194). We use this $30 per ton value as the floor price in our 

analysis.

6 “Biomass Fuel Availability North Springfield, Vermont.” Prepared for: North Springfield Sustainable Energy 

Project, A Project of Winstanley Enterprises, September 2011. Accessed September 11, 2013: 

http://swcrpc.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Exh.-Pet.-EWK-2.pdf. 

This report is available at no cost from the 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 

at www.nrel.gov/publications.
17 

4.3 Biomass Resource

Wood used for a biomass energy plant is generally the low-valued material, which is often the 

residue from harvest of more valuable material like saw logs for dimensional lumber. It can also 

result from land maintenance and clearing operations, thinning for fire mitigation, urban tree 

trimming, storm clean-up, power line right-of-way maintenance, and disposal of diseased trees 

(e.g., beetle kill). Note that this material is generally a waste product or a product of procedures 

that improve forest health or reduce risks to the forest or to people living near forests. 

4.3.1 Renewable Energy Atlas of Vermont

The Renewable Energy Atlas of Vermont7 (REA) is a website with GIS tools that allow the 

analysis of energy efficiency and renewable energy projects within the State of Vermont. These 

renewable energy projects include solar, wind, geothermal, hydro, and biomass. Biomass project 

types include biodiesel, perennial grasses, methane digesters, waste to energy, and woody 

biomass. Outputs of the woody-biomass analysis include potential for electric, thermal, and CHP 

production from the available resource, along with details about existing projects within a study 

area. Unfortunately, these data are constrained by the state border, so available resources and 

projects in neighboring states are not included in the analysis. NREL performed one analysis just 

for the town of Putney and a second analysis for the southern third of the state. 

4.3.2 Putney Village Analysis

Figure 14 shows the region of the first biomass availability analysis, which only includes an area 

within Putney’s town limits. 

Figure 14. Region included in first analysis using the Renewable Energy Atlas of Vermont tool

Source: REA

According to the REA, the area of this analysis is 9,877 acres, with 6,146 green tons of wood 

available each year. This would be enough to produce about 4,400 MWh of electricity each year, 

 

7 Renewable Energy Atlas of Vermont. Accessed June 19, 2013: http://www.vtenergyatlas.com/. 

This report is available at no cost from the 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 

at www.nrel.gov/publications.
18 

which could be produced by a generator sized at about 600 kW and operating at an 85% capacity 

factor. There are no electric-generating facilities in this region fueled with biomass, according to 

the REA.

The REA indicates that the same amount of biomass could provide about 62,000 million Btu 

over the course of a year. If this were used to supply a constant load, such as an industrial steam 

process, it could supply about 8 million Btu per hour. 

There are no existing large-scale woody-biomass thermal systems within this region.

4.3.3 Southern Vermont Analysis

A second analysis was performed using a larger area, as shown in Figure 15. Note that, though 

the boundaries of this region extend into neighboring states, the data in the analysis only includes 

resources and projects within the State of Vermont.

On this map, the round green icons indicate biomass thermal projects and the white rectangular 

icons represent suppliers of chips, pellets, or other forms of woody biomass. When viewing this 

map on the Vermont Energy Atlas website, clicking these icons will provide more information 

about each site.

This report is available at no cost from the 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 

at www.nrel.gov/publications.
19 

Figure 15. Southern Vermont region for REA analysis

Source: REA

The southern Vermont analysis, which includes an area of about 615,000 acres, estimated an 

annual availability of about 380,000 tons of low grade wood—enough to supply about 

165,000 MWh per year of electric energy (22 MW at 85% capacity factor), or 2.3 trillion Btu of 

thermal energy (about 300 MMBtu/hr at constant load and an 85% capacity factor).

The program found no electric-generating or CHP facilities within the study area, but it did 

identify eight woody-biomass thermal sites, as shown in Table 1. Note that, with one exception, 

these projects are all school heating projects. Keith Dewey appears to be a commercial biomass 

boiler in Weston, Vermont, using wood or corn pellets to heat a greenhouse, apartment, office, 

garage, and house. 

This report is available at no cost from the 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 

at www.nrel.gov/publications.
20 

The total amount of wood used for these eight operations is small compared to the quantity of 

low-grade biomass within this region. Additional biomass would be available in neighboring 

states, particularly New Hampshire.

Table 1. Project Sites Using Woody Biomass to Produce Thermal Energy in Southern Vermont

Source: REA

4.3.4 Northern Forest Biomass Project Evaluator Model

To extend the analysis beyond the borders of Vermont, the Northern Forest Biomass Project 

Evaluator (BPE) model was used. This is a software model that runs under Microsoft Access and

provides an assessment of biomass availability in the northeastern United States, including 

Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, and Vermont. It was created 

for the North East State Foresters Association by Innovative Natural Resource Solutions and can 

be found on their website.8 The BPE identifies available biomass but does not identify 

existing projects.

The BPE model allows the user to determine a supply area by choosing specific counties or by 

evaluating a circular region centered on a user-defined latitude and longitude. The Basketville 

evaluation was centered on latitude of 42.97665 and longitude of -72.52153, with a radius of 

30 miles from that center. This supply shed covers parts of 17 counties in three states: 

Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont. 

NREL worked with Innovative Natural Resource Solutions, LLC, to develop appropriate 

assumptions for the BPE model. Details of the inputs, assumptions, and outputs are provided in 

Appendix B. 

Figure 16 shows the BPE output from the model predicting accessible quantities of biomass in 

three categories for each year: high-value bolewood, low-grade bolewood, and tops 

and branches.

 

8 North East State Foresters Association. Accessed June 19, 2013: http://www.nefainfo.org/. 

This report is available at no cost from the 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 

at www.nrel.gov/publications.
21 

Figure 16. BPE model estimates of accessible quantities of biomass around Putney, Vermont

Source: INRS

The terms used in the BPE model are defined in Table 2. 

This report is available at no cost from the 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 

at www.nrel.gov/publications.
22 

Table 2. Terms Used in BPE Analysis

Variable Name Definition

Net Annual Growth The amount of net growth (accretion + ingrowth - mortality) occurring on 

timberland over a single model projection year, based on total aboveground 

biomass volume and the county-specific growth rate.

Low-Grade Growth The portion of total net growth that is considered low-grade (suitable for 

harvest as pulpwood, firewood, or chips) rather than high-value sawlogs. 

This is based on the percent low-grade inventory key assumption. On some 

reports (where indicated), this value is a sum of low-grade bolewood AND 

the volume of tops and limbs, which are assumed to be completely lowgrade material.

Accessible Growth The amount of growth that is accessible for harvest—based on the likelihood 

that a given landowner will engage in timber management/harvesting 

operations and physical harvest limitations related to steep slopes, elevation, 

sensitive habitat, etc.

Accessible and Available 

Growth

The portion of growth on accessible timberland acres that is not already 

captured by existing timber harvest.

Tops and Limbs 

Extracted

This variable represents the amount of volume from the tops and limbs of 

harvested trees actually removed from the woods, based on the user-defined 

key assumption regarding the percentage of tops and limbs volume that is 

suitable/sustainable to extract.

Figure 17 shows accessible and available volume of three different woody-biomass material 

types over the course of a 20-year analysis, covering the region within 30 miles of the 

Basketville site. A biomass heat or power (or CHP) project would use mostly low-grade 

bolewood but could also use tops and limbs as a certain percentage (to be determined with the 

equipment manufacturer) of their feedstock. 

This report is available at no cost from the 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 

at www.nrel.gov/publications.
23 

Figure 17. BPE results for Basketville

Source: INRS

4.3.5 Biomass Energy Resource Center Vermont Wood Fuel Supply Study 

2010 Update

In 2010, the Biomass Energy Resource Center (BERC) produced an update to their 2007 

Vermont Wood Fuel Supply Study. In this study, they estimated available wood resources based 

on three scenarios: the conservative scenario, the moderate scenario, and the intensive scenario. 

These scenarios were used to calculate the supply of net available low-grade growth (NALG) 

wood. They describe NALG as “wood that would be appropriate for use as biomass fuel above 

and beyond current levels of harvesting—available annually in the State of Vermont, including 

assessment of both Vermont’s counties alone and a larger study area comprising Vermont and 

the adjoining 10 counties of New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and New York.”9

The moderate scenario predicts about 900,000 green tons per year of NALG would be available 

in Vermont and over 3 million green tons per year when including the 10 surrounding counties.

 

9 Biomass Energy Resource Center. “Vermont Wood Fuel Supply Study: 2010 Update.” p. 5. Accessed August 28, 

2013: http://www.biomasscenter.org/images/stories/VTWFSSUpdate2010_.pdf.

This report is available at no cost from the 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 

at www.nrel.gov/publications.
24 

It predicts about 166,000 green tons of NALG would be available each year in Windham County 

alone and about 880,000 GT/yr including the counties bordering Windham County. 

4.3.6 Feedstock Summary

We have estimated biomass resource available around Putney using different tools, including the 

Renewable Energy Atlas of Vermont (REAVT), the Northern Forest Biomass Project Evaluator 

model (BPE), and the BERC 2007 Vermont Wood Fuel Supply Study (BERC Vermont Study). 

The REAVT predicted an availability of 6,146 green tons per year within Putney and 

380,000 GT/yr in the southern half of Vermont. The REAVT accounts for biomass and biomass 

projects within Vermont. Because Putney is very close to the New Hampshire and Massachusetts 

borders, it is important to evaluate biomass availability outside of Vermont.

The BPE predicted available values of tops and limbs, low-grade bolewood, and high-value 

bolewood for each year, within a 30-mile radius of the Basketville site. The BPE estimated 

accessible and available tops and limbs at a constant 78,000 green tons per year, low-grade 

bolewood starting near zero but increasing to about 200,000 GT/yr. These would be the primary 

feedstocks used for a biomass plant. 

The BERC Vermont study predicted an availability of 166,000 GT/yr in Windham County and 

880,000 GT/yr in Windham and surrounding counties. 

4.4 Recommended Activities for Next-Level Analysis

The wide range of predicted available biomass for this region highlights the importance of 

performing a site-specific biomass resource assessment for a bioenergy facility.

As a next step, we recommend contacting foresters, wood utilization specialists, lumber mills, 

and others to get a firmer analysis of available biomass, biomass properties, and biomass cost. 

Some of these contacts are listed below in Table 3 and Table 4. 

Table 3. Contacts for Assessing Biomass Resources and Cost

Name Title Organization Phone Email

Bob De Geus Wood Utilization 

Specialist

Dept. of Forests, 

Parks & Rec.

802-241-3671 robert.degeus@state.vt.us

Dave Wilcox State Lands 

Forester

Dept. of Forests, 

Parks & Rec.

802-476-0179 david.wilcox@state.vt.us

Jamie Fidel VNRC 802-223-2328 

ext. 117

jfidel@vnrc.org

Bill Guenther Windham County 

Forester

802-257-7967 bill.guenther@state.vt.us

Kathleen 

Wanner

Executive 

Director

802-747-7900 kmwanner@comcast.net

Table 4. Mills

Mill Name Road City, State, ZIP Phone

Allard Lumber 354 Old Ferry Road Brattleboro, VT 05301 (802) 254-4939

Cersosimo Lumber Co. 1103 Vernon Street Brattleboro, VT 05301 (802) 254-4508

This report is available at no cost from the 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 

at www.nrel.gov/publications.
25 

5 Bioenergy Overview

Biopower, or biomass power, is the use of biomass to generate electricity. Biopower system 

technologies include direct-firing, co-firing, gasification, pyrolysis, and anaerobic digestion. 

Most biopower plants are direct-fired systems, which will be the focus of this section. 

Co-firing refers to mixing biomass with fossil fuels in conventional power plants. Coal-fired 

power plants can use co-firing systems to significantly reduce emissions, especially sulfur 

dioxide. Typically, biomass is co-fired at a small percentage of the total heat input.

Pyrolysis is a thermal process that occurs without oxygen with outputs of syngas, liquids, and 

charcoal, which can be used to produce heat and power or reformed into liquid fuels and 

chemical products. 

Anaerobic digestion is a biological degradation of organic matter without oxygen to produce 

biogas, which can be used in heat or electricity application. 

Gasification systems heat biomass in a reduced oxygen environment to produce synthesis gas, a 

mixture of mostly hydrogen and carbon monoxide (CO). The synthesis gas, or syngas, can then 

be chemically converted into other fuels or products, burned in a conventional boiler, or used 

instead of natural gas in a gas turbine. Gas turbines are very much like jet engines, only they are 

used to turn electric generators instead of for jet propulsion. Gas turbines are very efficient, but 

the overall system efficiency can be further improved by operating them in a combined cycle 

arrangement. During combined cycle operation the exhaust gases are used to boil water for steam 

to provide additional power generation or heat. 

The amount of energy produced by a biopower system depends on several factors, including the 

type of biomass, the technology employed, and numerous economic factors. Biopower systems 

can be sized to supply internal energy needs only or sized larger to feed energy to the grid for 

sale. Figure 18 shows a typical biopower direct-fired system.

Figure 18. Direct-fired biopower system. Photo from Wheelabrator Shasta Energy Co., NREL 07163

This report is available at no cost from the 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 

at www.nrel.gov/publications.
26 

These plants burn biomass feedstocks directly to produce steam. This steam drives a turbine, 

which turns a generator that converts the mechanical power into electricity. In some biomass 

plants, turbine extraction steam from the power plant is also used for manufacturing processes or 

to heat buildings. Such CHP systems increase overall energy efficiency. This makes sense when 

a large heat user is located nearby. These systems normally operate 24 hours per day and 7 days 

per week, with several weeks of down time per year for maintenance and repairs. Plants of this 

type are not normally cycled with many starts and stops. Frequent cooling and re-heating of 

equipment components leads to fatigue and failure, making it more cost-effective to operate 

around the clock, even though power rates are lower during off-peak hours. While direct-fired 

units are most common, the NREL biomass assessment team uses several tools to assess the 

optimal facility fuel, technology, plant size, and configuration for each particular location 

under consideration. 

5.1 Bioenergy Equipment Determination

A biopower system type (and size) should be determined based on the energy requirements of 

the end-user, the cost of utility energy, and the availability of cost-effective biomass feedstock. 

The most common installation types are described below. In general, these systems can be 

divided into thermal energy only, power generation only, and combined heat and power (CHP) 

categories. The system choice is mostly dependent upon economics. The cost of fuel, the rate 

that power can be sold, and the rate available for the sale of thermal energy are a few of the key 

economic parameters.

5.2 Thermal Energy Only 

Figure 19 illustrates a “thermal energy only” system in which biomass energy is converted to 

steam that is sent to a nearby business that utilizes the heat in the steam for heating, cooling, 

manufacturing, or any other number of industrial uses (boiler steam to load in Figure 19). 

Figure 19. Thermal only biomass energy system

The steam is condensed as the energy is extracted and the warm condensate is pumped back to 

the biomass facility where it is reintroduced to the boiler and converted once again to steam. This 

type of system can be economical as the inefficiencies associated with generating electrical 

This report is available at no cost from the 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 

at www.nrel.gov/publications.
27 

power on a small scale are avoided and the capital costs for a steam turbine, condenser, cooling 

tower, circulating water pumps, and other items are not incurred. High pressure, superheated 

steam is not required, making the boiler less expensive and easier to operate. This system is 

common and has been implemented for many decades in this country. 

Finding a business that is close enough to accept steam without lengthy piping systems is often 

challenging. In many cases where a steam host is present, it makes sense to generate both steam 

and electricity.

5.3 Power Generation Only

Figure 20 illustrates a “power generation only” system in which biomass energy is converted into 

high pressure, superheated steam for introduction into a steam turbine. The turbine generates 

electricity at the most efficient rate practical depending on the size of the system. The steam is 

condensed at near vacuum to maximize efficiency. This is accomplished in a condenser, which

uses cooling water that typically comes from an evaporative cooling tower. It is also possible to 

use a dry type of air-cooled condenser. 

Figure 20. Power generation only biomass energy system (cooling tower not shown)

5.4 Combined Heat and Power

CHP is technically the concurrent generation of multiple forms of energy in a single system. 

CHP systems can include reciprocating engines, combustion or gas turbines, steam turbines, 

microturbines, and fuel cells. These systems are capable of utilizing a variety of fuels, including 

natural gas, coal, oil, and alternative fuels. While generating electric power, the thermal energy 

from the system can be used in direct applications or indirectly to produce steam, hot water, or 

chilled water for process cooling. Over 60% of biomass power systems use CHP. 

For biomass direct-fired systems, the most common CHP configuration consists of steam from a 

biomass-fired boiler directed to a steam turbine. Steam is extracted at some point in this process 

to provide heat to meet internal requirements of the facility or steam for sale to a local steam 

host. The steam can be taken from the power process in three primary methods: 

This report is available at no cost from the 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 

at www.nrel.gov/publications.
28 

1. Main steam extraction

2. Extraction turbine 

3. Back pressure turbine. 

Main steam extraction extracts some of the boiler outlet steam prior to being introduced into the 

steam turbine. This high-pressure, high-temperature steam would typically have to be reduced in 

pressure and temperature prior to its final use. This is not the most efficient method for 

optimizing power output but avoids the cost of a more expensive extraction turbine (described 

below). The remaining steam runs through the entire length of the turbine and then discharges 

into a condenser at very low pressure (vacuum) to maximize the electric power generated. The 

condenser circulates large quantities of cooling water that is cooled by evaporation in a cooling 

tower or by an air-cooled condenser (Figure 21). By far the most common cooling method is a 

cooling tower, as it is less expensive and requires less power to operate, although a large quantity 

of water is evaporated. An air-cooled condenser is more expensive but is advantageous where 

large volumes of water are not available or water is expensive. Warm condensate is pumped back 

to the biomass facility where it is reintroduced to the boiler and converted once again to steam.

Figure 21. CHP main steam extraction

An extraction turbine accepts all boiler steam at its inlet and extracts the required process steam 

at some intermediate point along the turbine steam path. This allows the process steam to 

produce electric power prior to its extraction increasing the efficiency of the overall process. The 

cost for an extraction turbine is typically higher and is not normally utilized in smaller systems 

(less than 10 MW). The remaining steam continues through the lower-pressure stages of the 

turbine and then discharges into a condenser (Figure 22).

This report is available at no cost from the 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 

at www.nrel.gov/publications.
29 

Figure 22. CHP extraction turbine

A backpressure turbine accepts all boiler steam at the steam turbine inlet but discharges all of 

the steam at the higher pressure required by the end steam user (Figure 23). 

Figure 23. CHP backpressure turbine

There are considerable cost savings with this approach. The steam turbine is much less expensive 

because the lower-pressure sections of a turbine are the largest and costliest. There is no need for 

a condenser, a cooling tower, or large circulating water pumps to push the cooling water through 

the condenser. The steam is typically condensed by the load and then returns to the plant as 

warm condensate to be reheated and reintroduced to the system. 

This report is available at no cost from the 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 

at www.nrel.gov/publications.
30 

There are two disadvantages to this arrangement. First, the amount of electric power produced is 

greatly reduced due to the shortening of the turbine and the relatively high discharge pressure. 

Second, if the steam host reduces its steam requirements to a quantity less than the full steam 

turbine capacity, the steam turbine must be turned down, or the excess steam must be condensed 

by way of an external steam condenser, which would also require a cooling water source.

5.5 District Heating

District heating is defined as a central unit providing heat to nearby buildings and homes through 

a series of pipes carrying hot water or steam. The scheme generally includes a set of pipes—one 

pipe delivers hot water at a temperature between 180°F and 250°F. Heat enters a building’s 

conventional heating system through a heat exchanger. After heat is extracted, another pipe 

returns water (104–160°F) to the central heating plant. Pipes are sometimes double walled and 

generally buried underground. District heating systems are most common in Scandinavia. In 

Denmark, district heating provides 60% of thermal energy with 17% derived from biomass.10

Lower-temperature district heating systems are under development, using hot water as low 

as 122°F.11 

Capital costs are high for district heating systems due to the network of piping and heat 

exchangers and other equipment that must be installed for each customer. Economics are usually

best for district heating when waste heat can be obtained from a nearby power plant at minimal 

cost, when replacing electric heating systems, and in densely populated areas with high-rise 

apartments.

Several cities and universities have district heating systems powered by traditional energy 

sources. Most were built many decades ago. There are district heating systems in the United 

States but only two that use biomass as an energy source. 

District Energy St. Paul operates a biomass district heating system in St. Paul, Minnesota.12 It is 

also the largest hot water district heating system in the United States. The system operates from a 

CHP system using waste wood as a fuel source as well as a recently installed solar thermal 

system. The University of New Hampshire meets all heat and electricity requirements from a 

district system using methane from a nearby landfill.13 Many other universities have district 

heating systems powered by traditional energy sources. 

Montpelier, Vermont, is in the process of building a biomass-fired district heating system for the 

state government, city government, schools, and portions of the downtown area. This will be an 

upgrade to an existing wood-fired system.14

 

10 “Renewable Heat Initial Business Case.” DEFRA and BURR. United Kingdom. September 2007. Accessed 

January 8, 2013: http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/+/http://www.berr.gov.uk/files/file41432.pdf. 11 Thorson, J.; Christiansen, C.; Marek, B. “Experience on Low-Temperature District Heating in Lystrup, 

Denmark.” International Conference of District Energy. Portoroz, Slovenia, 2011.

12 District Energy St. Paul. Accessed January 9, 2013: http://www.districtenergy.com/technologies/district-heating/. 13 First University In Nation To Use Landfill Gas As Primary Energy Source.” University of New Hampshire Media 

Relations. August 14, 2007. Accessed January 9, 2013: http://www.unh.edu/news/cj_nr/2007/aug/kb14landfill.cfm. 14 Montpelier, Vermont. “District Heat Project.” Accessed June 19, 2013: http://www.montpeliervt.org/group/99.html. 

This report is available at no cost from the 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 

at www.nrel.gov/publications.
31 

5.6 Biopower System Components

A typical direct-fired biopower system has the following components: 

• Major components 

o Fuel receiving, storage, and handling 

o Combustion system and steam generator 

o Steam turbine and electrical generator

o Air pollution control 

o Condenser and cooling tower 

• Other equipment and auxiliaries

o Stack and monitoring equipment 

o Instrumentation and controls 

o Ash handling 

o Fans and blowers 

o Water treatment

o Electrical equipment

o Pumps and piping 

o Buildings. 

5.6.1 Fuel Receiving, Storage, and Handling 

Biomass can be received at the site by truck, rail, or barge. It can be delivered as chips, pellets, or 

logs, and brush can be processed on-site into chips. Wood chips are typically stored in a fuel 

yard (exposed or covered) or in storage silos (Figure 24). 

Figure 24. Biomass storage options: (left) a fuel yard and (right) a fuel silo. Photos by (left) Warren 

Gretz, NREL 04736 and (right) Gerry Harrow, NREL 15041

This report is available at no cost from the 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 

at www.nrel.gov/publications.
32 

Wood pellets are stored in silos and are easily handled and fed with standard equipment. Fuel 

handling could be fully automated or semi-automated requiring some labor. A fully automated 

system will typically be installed below grade. Wood chips would be delivered by truck to the 

storage bin, and conveyor belts automatically feed the boiler. Automated systems are generally 

used to serve large facilities such as those evaluated in this study. Semi-automated systems are 

less expensive but require more labor. They typically include above-ground chip storage and a 

hopper with capacity to supply the boiler for a few days. An operator moves woody biomass 

from the storage area to the hopper as needed. Operator workload is estimated at 60–90 minutes 

per day.15

5.6.2 Combustion System and Steam Generator

The most common system for converting solid biomass fuel into energy is a direct-fired 

combustion system. The fuel is burned typically on a grate or in a fluidized bed to create hot 

combustion gases that pass over a series of boiler tubes transferring heat into water inside the 

tubes creating steam. The combination of the burning apparatus and the heat transfer surface 

areas are typically referred to as the boiler. 

Boilers are differentiated by their configuration, size, and the quality of the steam or hot water 

produced. Boiler size is most often measured by the fuel input in millions of Btu per hour 

(MMBtu/hr), but it may also be measured by output in pounds per hour of steam produced. The 

two most commonly used types of boilers for biomass firing are stoker boilers and fluidized bed 

boilers. Either of these combustion systems can be fueled entirely by biomass fuel or co-fired 

with a combination of biomass and coal or other solid fuel.16

The traveling grate stoker boiler introduces fuel at one end of the furnace. The grate slowly 

moves the fuel through the hot zone until combustion is complete and the ash falls off at the 

opposite end.17 The fuel is either dropped onto the grate and travels away from the feeder or it is 

thrown to the opposite end and comes back towards the feeder. The latter is called a spreader 

stoker. A fluidized bed boiler introduces feedstock into the bed with a heat transfer medium 

(typically sand).18 The bed material is fluidized using high pressure air from underneath the grate 

creating a good mixing zone. 

5.6.3 Steam Turbine

The steam turbine is a key component and major cost element for the facility. In many cases, 

additional cost can result in increased turbine efficiency, which must be assessed with regards to 

overall plant economics. The higher the steam inlet pressure and the lower the steam exhaust 

pressure, the more energy can be extracted from the steam. These both come at a cost and have 

to be balanced with the system economics. Typically, smaller systems use lower-pressure steam 

 

15 “Woodchip Fuel Specifications in the Northeastern United States.” Biomass Energy Resource Center. Accessed 

January 8, 2013: http://www.biomasscenter.org/resources/publications.html. 16 “Biomass Combined Heat and Power Catalog of Technologies.” EPA. September 2007. Accessed January 8, 

2013: http://www.epa.gov/chp/documents/biomass_chp_catalog.pdf. 17 Johnson, N. “Fundamentals of Stoker Fired Boiler Design and Operation.” CIBO Emission Controls Technology 

Conference. July 2012. Accessed January 10, 2013: http://www.cibo.org/emissions/2002/a1.pdf. 18 Crawford, M. “Fluidized Bed Combustors for Biomass Boilers.” ASME. September 2012. Accessed January 10, 

2013: https://www.asme.org/kb/news---articles/articles/boilers/fluidized-bed-combustors-for-biomass-boilers. 

This report is available at no cost from the 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 

at www.nrel.gov/publications.
33 

and larger systems can afford to operate at higher pressures yielding more power production to 

compensate for the increased capital costs. 

5.6.4 Air Pollution Control

Biomass is a relatively clean fuel and contains lower quantities of the pollutants commonly 

found in coal and other solid fuels. The primary pollutants of concern in biomass combustion are 

CO, NOx, and particulate matter (PM). 

CO emissions are largely a function of good combustion. Good air mixing will oxidize most CO 

molecules into carbon dioxide (CO2), which is not a regulated pollutant. The control of NOx is 

not always required, but NOx can be controlled by either selective non-catalytic reduction 

(SNCR) or selective catalytic reduction (SCR). SNCR is accomplished by the introduction of 

nitrogenous reagents (urea or ammonia) at specific temperatures, creating a reducing reaction.

SCR is a similar process but also uses a catalyst to achieve higher removal efficiencies.

For PM, the small ash particles are captured in the fabric of large bags, and the bags are pulsed 

occasionally to dislodge the dust into an ash hopper for removal. These systems are known as 

fabric filters or baghouses. Electrostatic precipitators (ESP) are also commonly used for 

particulate removal.

EPA’s “Final Air Toxics Standards for Industrial, Commercial, and Institutional Boilers at Area 

Source Facilities” was released on February 1, 2013, and applies to biomass boilers. The 

following provisions apply to new biomass boilers19: 

• New boilers with heat input capacity greater than 10 MMBtu/hr that are biomass-fired or 

oil-fired must meet GACT-based numerical emission limits for PM

• New biomass-fired boilers with heat input capacity of 30 MMBtu/hr or greater must have 

filterable PM of less than 3.0E–02 lb per MMBtu of heat input 

• New biomass fired boilers with heat input capacity of between 10 and 30 MMBtu/hr must 

have filterable PM of less than 7.0E–02 lb per MMBtu of heat input 

• New biomass fired boilers with heat input capacity less than 10 MMBtu/hr must: 

o Minimize the boiler’s startup and shutdown periods and conduct startups and 

shutdowns according to the manufacturer’s recommended procedures. If 

manufacturer’s recommended procedures are not available, you must follow 

recommended procedures for a unit of similar design for which manufacturer’s 

recommended procedures are available. 20

5.6.5 Condenser, Cooling Tower

As the steam exits the turbine, it is condensed for reuse in the cycle. The most common method 

is to use a steam surface condenser and a cooling tower. The surface condenser is a large vessel 

filled with tubes that circulate cool water from the cooling tower. The steam flows over the tubes 

condensing into a hot well at the bottom of the condenser. The cooling water that leaves the 

 

19 “National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Area Sources: Industrial, Commercial, and 

Institutional Boilers.” EPA. 2013. http://www.epa.gov/airtoxics/boiler/boilerpg.html 20 Federal Register. Vol. 78, No. 22. Friday, February 1, 2013. Rules and Regulations. p. 7518

This report is available at no cost from the 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 

at www.nrel.gov/publications.
34 

condenser is pumped back to the cooling tower, which uses evaporative cooling to cool the water 

for reintroduction into the condenser. 

A large amount of water is lost due to evaporation from the cooling tower and that water needs to 

be replaced on a continuous basis. In areas where water is scarce and expensive, this introduces a 

large operating cost. In these cases, the water is commonly cooled by an air-cooled system. The 

capital costs for this equipment is higher and the electric power to operate the fans is higher, but 

no water is consumed with this method. 

This report is available at no cost from the 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 

at www.nrel.gov/publications.
35 

6 State and Local Energy and Utility Details

Vermont energy costs are higher than the New England average, and energy costs in New 

England are higher than in most of the continental United States. According to the U.S. Energy 

Information Agency (EIA), Vermont pays the third-highest amount of all states for natural gas, at 

an average of $16.62 per thousand cubic feet21 (surpassed only by Florida at $18.18 and Hawaii 

at $49.59), and the second-highest average electricity cost, at $0.1997/kWh (residential sector).

6.1 U.S. Energy Information Administration

The EIA provides utility data by state and sector.

22 Tables of data for Vermont, by sector, are 

included below. 

 

21 1,000 cubic feet of natural gas is approximately equal to 1 million Btu (MMBtu). 22 U.S. Energy Information Administration. “Electricity.” Accessed June 19, 2013: 

http://www.eia.gov/electricity/sales_revenue_price/index.cfm. 

Quick Facts from the EIA

• Vermont had the second-lowest per capita natural gas consumption of all states in 2010.

• Nuclear power accounted for about three-fourths of the electricity generated within Vermont in 2011, a 

higher share than any other state. (None of the power generated by Vermont Yankee is purchased within 

the state. See footnote 29 for more detail.)

• Twenty-one percent of Vermont’s net electricity generation in 2011 was from conventional hydroelectric 

power.

• Vermont has a voluntary goal of generating 25% of electricity consumed in the state from renewable 

energy resources by 2025.

• In 2010, Vermont had the Nation's lowest CO2 emissions from electricity generation.

This report is available at no cost from the 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 

at www.nrel.gov/publications.
36 

Table 5. EIA Residential Data, 2011

Entity Class of 

Ownership

Number of 

Consumers

Sales 

(MWh)

Revenue 

(thousand 

dollars)

Average 

Retail Price 

(cents/kWh)

Barton Village, Inc. Public 1,677 10,616 1,831 17.25

Central Vermont Pub Serv 

Corp

Investor Owned 137,137 978,975 155,784 15.91

City of Burlington Electric Public 16,350 85,179 13,365 15.69

Green Mountain Power Corp Investor Owned 80,888 574,877 91,839 15.98

Omya Inc. Investor Owned 801 4,342 449 10.35

Town of Hardwick Public 3,913 23,393 4,136 17.68

Town of Readsboro Public 256 735 122 16.64

Town of Stowe Public 3,227 22,281 4,075 18.29

Vermont Electric Cooperative Cooperative 33,960 220,919 41,604 18.83

Village of Enosburg Falls Public 1,467 13,110 2,104 16.05

Village of Hyde Park Public 1,166 8,161 1,455 17.83

Village of Jacksonville Public 646 3,572 602 16.85

Village of Johnson Public 759 4,960 866 17.46

Village of Ludlow Public 3,002 15,878 2,197 13.84

Village of Lyndonville Public 4,780 32,903 4,859 14.77

Village of Morrisville Public 3,336 20,983 3,256 15.52

Village of Northfield Public 1,653 10,668 1,481 13.89

Village of Orleans Public 582 4,106 531 12.92

Village of Swanton Public 3,202 26,705 3,061 11.46

Washington Electric Coop Cooperative 10,190 62,170 11,908 19.15

Table 6. EIA Commercial Data, 2011 (EIA Table 6)

Entity Ownership Number of 

Consumers

Sales 

(MWh)

Revenue 

(thousand 

dollars)

Average 

Retail Price 

(cents/kWh)

Barton Village, Inc. Public 224 3,803 685 18.02

Central Vermont Public Service Corp Investor Owned 23,137 840,624 118,854 14.14

City of Burlington Electric Public 3,725 189,464 26,978 14.24

Green Mountain Power Corp Investor Owned 14,674 699,198 91,957 13.15

Omya Inc. Investor Owned 76 3,471 402 11.58

Town of Hardwick Public 407 4,398 813 18.49

Town of Readsboro Public 55 323 58 17.89

Town of Stowe Public 753 40,804 6,010 14.73

Vermont Electric Cooperative Cooperative 3,593 131,085 20,402 15.56

Village of Enosburg Falls Public 174 2,875 466 16.20

Village of Hyde Park Public 200 2,946 574 19.48

Village of Jacksonville Public 50 649 112 17.32

Village of Johnson Public 156 4,356 838 19.24

Village of Ludlow Public 696 18,646 3,157 16.93

Village of Lyndonville Public 778 11,631 1,950 16.77

Village of Morrisville Public 576 16,743 2,730 16.31

Village of Northfield Public 590 4,822 713 14.78

Village of Orleans Public 84 2,282 323 14.16

Village of Swanton Public 436 26,420 3,360 12.72

Washington Electric Coop Cooperative 412 4,007 719 17.94

This report is available at no cost from the 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 

at www.nrel.gov/publications.
37 

Table 7. EIA Industrial Data, 2011 (EIA Table 6)

Entity Class of 

Ownership

Number of 

Consumer

s

Sales 

(MWh)

Revenue 

(thousand 

dollars)

Average 

Retail Price

(cents/kWh)

Central Vermont Public Service Corp Investor Owned 38 431,990 41,375 9.58

City of Burlington Electric Public 13 70,291 8,132 11.57

Green Mountain Power Corp Investor Owned 28 617,424 57,620 9.33

Omya Inc. Investor Owned 2 124,183 10,545 8.49

Town of Hardwick Public 24 3,979 692 17.39

Town of Stowe Public 1 10,511 1,144 10.88

Vermont Electric Cooperative Cooperative 8 77,909 7,752 9.95

Village of Enosburg Falls Public 24 10,122 1,496 14.78

Village of Jacksonville Public 5 862 145 16.83

Village of Johnson Public 1 4,150 671 16.17

Village of Ludlow Public 4 10,924 1,925 17.62

Village of Lyndonville Public 42 23,407 3,461 14.79

Village of Morrisville Public 3 7,290 1,013 13.90

Village of Northfield Public 16 13,998 1,816 12.97

Village of Orleans Public 1 6,912 1,039 15.04

Washington Electric Coop Cooperative 11 3,152 413 13.10

6.2 Historical Fuel Costs

Figure 25 was created with data provided by the EIA.

23 It shows the residential price of heating 

oil24 and of propane from 1990 to February 2013 and the wholesale price of propane from the 

end of 2004 to February 2013. All of these products have high price volatility, but the general 

trend, at least since about 2000, is upward. A trend line of residential heating oil price 

is included. 

 

23 U.S. Energy Information Administration. “Petroleum & Other Liquids.” Accessed June 19, 2013: 

http://www.eia.gov/dnav/pet/hist/LeafHandler.ashx?n=PET&s=W_EPLLPA_PRS_SVT_DPG&f=W. 24 Terminology used to identify oil varies; heating oil is also called #2 oil, number 2 oil, No.2 heating oil, home 

heating oil (HHO), fuel oil, etc.

This report is available at no cost from the 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 

at www.nrel.gov/publications.
38 

Figure 25. Historic thermal energy prices in Vermont

Table 8 shows prices for propane and No. 2 fuel oil for the beginning of 2013. The prices of both 

oil and propane have been above $3/gallon since about 2010. 

Table 8. Vermont Heating Fuel Prices for 2013

Week of Vermont Propane 

Residential Price

($/gallon)

Vermont No. 2 Heating 

Oil Wholesale/Resale 

Price ($/gallon)

Vermont No. 2 

Heating Oil 

Residential Price

($/gallon)

1/07/2013 3.372 3.242 3.817

1/14/2013 3.370 3.270 3.826

1/21/2013 3.379 3.275 3.828

1/28/2013 3.506 3.294 3.894

2/04/2013 3.464 3.396 3.913

2/11/2013 3.48 3.477 3.981

2/18/2013 3.559 3.444 4.002

Propane has a higher heating value (HHV) of about 92,000 Btu/gal, and No. 2 oil has an HHV of 

between 137,000 and 141,800 Btu/gal for an average of 139,400 Btu/gal.25 Heating oil at 

 

25 The Engineering Toolbox. “Fuel Oil and Combustion Values.” Accessed June 19, 2013: 

http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/fuel-oil-combustion-values-d_509.html. 

This report is available at no cost from the 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 

at www.nrel.gov/publications.
39 

$3.50/gal is equivalent to $25.11/million Btu, and propane at $3.50/gal is equal to 

$38.04/million Btu.

6.3 Renewable Energy in Vermont

As mentioned previously, about 50% of the electric energy consumed in Vermont is already 

being produced from renewable energy sources, including electricity from biomass. The Vermont 

Comprehensive Energy Plan 2011 26(CEP), citing EIA 2009 data, states that “biomass meets 

about 6% of the electric load in Vermont, including biomass electric facilities, farm methane, 

and landfill methane. About 14% of the state heating needs are met with biomass fuels, including 

cordwood.” 

According to the CEP, “The state has two biomass district energy systems already in place, in the 

Capitol complex in Montpelier and the state office complex in Waterbury. Several colleges in the 

state use wood in a district system, connecting several buildings to one boiler” (CEP p. 199). 

Montpelier is developing a biomass-fired district heating system, which is expected to reduce oil 

consumption by 100,000 to 500,000 gallons per year, depending on final system size 

and connections. 

A detailed breakdown of energy production by source can be found in the CEP. 

6.4 Vermont Town Energy Data

From the Vermont Town Energy Data Website27: 

Efficiency Vermont collected electricity usage and savings data for Vermont’s 

towns in the development of the Renewable Energy Atlas of Vermont, a project 

undertaken by the Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund. 

This annual snapshot provides municipalities, energy committees, and individuals 

with information about a town’s historical energy usage, and can help to increase 

awareness about energy consumption. As part of its effort to help Vermonter’s 

reduce their electricity use, Efficiency Vermont receives customer electric usage 

results from the state’s utilities. The Burlington Electric Department collects this 

data for Burlington customers. 

When this data is sorted largest to smallest by commercial kilowatt-hour usage it indicates that, 

out of the 248 towns, Putney has the 26th-largest consumption. Putney has the 76th-largest usage 

in the 2010 residential kilowatt-hours category.

6.5 Vermont’s Electricity Portfolio

Currently, Vermont produces approximately half of the electricity it uses in-state and imports the 

other half from Canada and other New England states.28 According to the EIA, Vermont 

 

26 Volume 2 – Facts, Analysis, and Recommendations, Section 5.8.1.1, p. 83 27 Efficiency Vermont. “Vermont Town Energy Data.” Accessed June 19, 2013: 

http://www.efficiencyvermont.com/about_us/energy_initiatives/vt_town_energy.aspx. 28 Page, G. “Renewable Energy Sources in Vermont: A Status Report.” Vermont Energy Partnership, May 2010. 

Accessed June 19, 2013: http://www.vtep.org/documents/VTEP%20ISSUE%20BRIEF%20-

%20Renewable%20Energy%20Sources%20in%20Vt%20-%20A%20Status%20Report%20May%202010.pdf . 

This report is available at no cost from the 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 

at www.nrel.gov/publications.
40 

Yankee’s nuclear power29 accounts for about three-fourths of the electricity generated within 

Vermont.30 Non-hydroelectric renewable energy sources, including wood, wood waste, and 

wind, account for between 5% and 10% of state electricity production. 

In total, Vermont needs an estimated 700 MW of electricity to meet current demand. Peak 

demand is about 1,000 MW.31

6.6 Site Electric Utility Information

The local utility is GMP. They have provided a letter of support for this project, and it is 

included in Appendix A. 

GMP provides an incentive of $0.06/kWh for PV systems, but the rate is calculated differently 

for biomass due to different generation profiles of the two technologies. For a biomass plant, the 

Vermont Public Service Board (PSB) net-metering rules only allow projects up to 500 kW. For 

biomass systems up to this size, power is currently worth almost $0.14/kWh generated. There is 

no adder for biomass like there is for solar. For systems larger than 500 kW, a power purchase 

agreement (PPA) with GMP would be required. Selling price under a PPA is currently about 

$0.08/kWh.32 

6.6.1 Feed-In Tariff Program

In 2009, the Vermont Legislature created the feed-in tariff (FIT) program, which guarantees a 

subsidized price for solar, wind, and methane projects of 2.2 MW or less. The total capacity is 

capped at 50 MW. Assuming a full build-out of the 50 MW and optimum efficiency of a mix of 

wind, solar, and methane projects, it is reasonable to project 25 MW of output from FITsupported projects in the near future.

33

 

29 None of this power is purchased with the State of Vermont (http://www.vpr.net/news_detail/93840/vy-still-onlinewithout-vermont-utility-contracts/). The Vermont Yankee Station is still in operation, though the long-term outlook 

is unclear. Last year the plant was granted authorization from the NRC to operate for another 20 years. However, the 

plant owner Entergy is currently before the Vermont Public Service Board seeking state authority to operate for the 

same additional 20 years, and that is being opposed by the Vermont Public Service Department and a number of 

intervening parties. The board will likely make its decision in the late fall of this year (2013). No Vermont utilities 

currently have a power purchase agreement (PPA) for electricity from the station with Entergy. No major generation 

facilities have been constructed in the state with the aim of replacing VY power. A number of utilities are now 

taking power from the Seabrook nuclear plant in New Hampshire (personal email from Aaron Kisicki, Special 

Counsel, Vermont Public Service Department).

30 U.S. Energy Information Administration, State Energy Profiles, “Vermont.” Accessed June 19, 2013: 

http://tonto.eia.doe.gov/state/state_energy_profiles.cfm?sid=VT. 31 ISO-New England: Vermont 2010 State Profile. http://isonewengland.org/nwsiss/grid_mkts/key_facts/vt_01-

010_profile.pdf. [Note: 2010 profile no longer available; updated to 2012-13: www.isone.com/nwsiss/grid_mkts/key_facts/final_vt_profile_2012-13.pdf.] 32 Lorraine, D. Personal communication. National Account Manager, Green Mountain Power, Colchester, VT, 27 

February 2013.

33 Page, G. “Renewable Energy Sources in Vermont: A Status Report.” Vermont Energy Partnership, May 2010. 

Accessed June 19, 2013: http://www.vtep.org/documents/VTEP%20ISSUE%20BRIEF%20-

%20Renewable%20Energy%20Sources%20in%20Vt%20-%20A%20Status%20Report%20May%202010.pdf . 

This report is available at no cost from the 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 

at www.nrel.gov/publications.
41 

6.6.2 Heating Fuel in Putney

There is currently no natural gas sold in Putney. Fuel for thermal applications is typically 

provided by heating oil (No. 2 or No. 6) or by propane. Both of these fuels are delivered 

by truck. 

Figure 26 shows an oil truck on Putney’s main street, and Figure 27 shows propane tanks outside 

of the Putney General Store. 

Figure 26. Fuel oil delivery truck passing through Putney. Photo by Randolph Hunsberger, NREL

Figure 27. Propane tanks outside the Putney General Store. Photo by Randolph Hunsberger, 

NREL

This report is available at no cost from the 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 

at www.nrel.gov/publications.
42 

There has recently been some interest in shipping compressed natural gas (CNG) to some areas 

of Vermont not currently served by pipeline. One possible customer of this natural gas is Putney 

Paper, discussed in 6.7.1. 

6.7 Recommended Activities for Next-Level Analysis

The next step in this analysis should be to enter into discussions with GMP regarding 

interconnection requirements, size limitations, electricity purchase rates, and any charges that 

might be incurred by the site or any potential off-takers.

Trucked CNG is currently being marketed to large users in this region of Vermont. The price of 

this gas should be accounted for in an updated analysis. 

6.7.1 Potential Off-Takers and Loads

A biomass heating, power, or combined heat and power (CHP) plant can either be built to 

provide heat or electricity to an on-site load or to have for sale. Electricity can be sold to a local 

or distant load, but this will almost always involve one or more electric utility companies. 

Thermal energy generated for sale can usually only serve a load that is located fairly close to the 

point of production. If the load is too distant, the cost for distributing the heat becomes 

excessive.

For the Basketville site we consider two potential users (“off-takers”) of both the electricity and 

thermal energy that could be generated: Landmark College and Putney Paper. 

6.8 Landmark College

Landmark College has a campus located about one-half mile from the site by road. In a direct 

line, the distance is about 2,000 feet. The college has 24 buildings and over 340,000 square feet

of heated space.

Figure 28 shows the relative locations of the Basketville site on the left and Landmark College 

on the right; road directions are marked in purple and a red line shows the direct path 

between them.

This report is available at no cost from the 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 

at www.nrel.gov/publications.
43 

Figure 28. Aerial view showing the Basketville site and Landmark College

Image generated in Google Maps

Landmark College supplied utility data for a 3-year period. This data includes consumption of 

gas, propane, and electricity. The data is summarized in the next two sections.

A previous proposal has been produced evaluating the feasibility of a biomass heating system for 

the campus. That report, developed by M. Pierce of NECSIS in March 2012,34 indicates that five 

of the campus buildings have boilers that are in need of replacement. 

The NECSIS proposal estimates costs to develop a biomass-fired district heating for the campus 

at around $4 million, including insulated underground piping and a building for housing the 

biomass equipment and fuel storage. The proposal was for two biomass boilers—12.2 and 

4.3 MMBtu/hr—and one or two oil boilers for serving peak load and for backup systems. The 

NECSIS biomass proposal also predicts a peak heating load of 8.6 MMBtu/hr. 

A biomass fuel cost of $50/ton is provided, with the biomass to be provided by Cersosimo 

Lumber in Brattleboro, which is about 11 miles south of the site. 

6.8.1 Thermal Details

The data that Landmark provided included propane data representing 16 tanks (labeled in the 

provided file as: Plb shop, Lib Gen, Maint, FAB, Stu Ctr, Dryers, BBQ tanks, Aiken, Chumley, 

Kitchen, Daycare, Rvr Rd II, Middle Gen, EAB, Br1 & 2, and Br 3,4,5). This data covers 

3 years—2010, 2011, and 2012. Data for each year runs from mid-July of the previous year 

through mid-year of the indicated year. For example, the 2012 data runs from July 12, 2011, 

through June 11, 2012. The total propane use over this period went from 70,505 gal in 2010, to 

 

34 A Proposal for a New Biomass Heating System for Landmark College. M. Pierce. Brattleboro, VT. 28 Mar 2012.

This report is available at no cost from the 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 

at www.nrel.gov/publications.
44 

73,784 gal in 2011, to 63,951 gal in 2012, for an average of about 69,400 gallons per year. At 

92,000 Btu/gal of propane, that is an average of about 6,400 MMBtu/yr. Figure 29 shows the 

annualized average propane use, where each data point represents one year of data.

Figure 29. Annualized propane use at Landmark College

Landmark also provided No. 2 oil consumption data for Aiken/Frost, Middle, Hall 4, Davis, 

Library, Stu Center, and Sport Cent. This data covered the period from January 9, 2009, to 

December 25, 2011. Over that time, oil use averaged 115,000 gal/yr. 

This report is available at no cost from the 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 

at www.nrel.gov/publications.
45 

Table 9. Oil Deliveries at Landmark College

Figure 30 shows the sliding annualized average oil consumption data. Note that the rise and fall 

in oil consumption starting at the end of 2009 corresponds with a similar opposite trend in 

propane consumption. 

gal/yr MMBtu/yr

Date

Aiken

Middle 

Hall 4Davis 

Library

 Stu 

Center

 Sports 

Center

Total

Total 

annualized 

oil use

Total 

annualized 

oil use

01/06/09 4500 4534 3000 3600 5087 3006 23,727 119,376 16,641

02/17/09 3025 4555 5090 6043 2500 21,213 127,149 17,725

04/01/09 5000 2500 5000 5000 2500 20,000 112,995 15,752

07/16/09 6119 4921 3843 2548 6059 23,490 100,483 14,007

07/19/09 5116 5,116 107,594 14,999

11/06/09 8830 8,830 110,000 15,334

12/16/09 6000 2500 2500 6000 17,000 128,541 17,919

02/03/10 5000 2000 3500 2000 6500 6500 6000 31,500 124,210 17,315

03/25/10 7059 7,059 100,773 14,048

05/17/10 3711 3777 7,488 105,803 14,749

08/18/10 6500 4200 4200 2000 5101 5100 3500 30,601 128,751 17,948

12/23/10 5072 2450 7,522

01/09/11 6090 5068 6080 2530 3789 3814 27,371

02/13/11 5066 2533 5070 12,669

04/03/11 5043 3020 8,063

04/05/11 2013 2517 2013 3029 2517 12,089

08/15/11 4001 5010 5160 5085 4080 3570 3530 30,436

47,989 55,135 41,606 36,402 48,969 33,147 30,926 294,174

16% 19% 14% 12% 17% 11% 11%

Gallons Delivered

This report is available at no cost from the 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 

at www.nrel.gov/publications.
46 

Figure 30. Oil use at Landmark College

Based on the provided data, the average total thermal energy use at Landmark College is 20,000 

MMBtu/yr, with a standard deviation of about 1,322 MMBtu/yr. 

Figure 31 shows the monthly propane and oil use at Landmark, along with the total use. This 

chart covers the period for which we had data for both fuels. It appears that the majority of the 

thermal load is being served by oil—though the deliveries are less frequent so that could 

be misleading. 

This report is available at no cost from the 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 

at www.nrel.gov/publications.
47 

Figure 31. Total thermal energy use at Landmark College

The college spent $133,000 on propane for 2012. Oil expenses were not provided, but based on 

an average price of $3.05/gal and 13,420 gallons, the expected cost would be about $41,000. If 

the same amount of oil is used in 2013, with the price now at $3.34/gal, the cost would be 

about $45,000. 

6.8.2 Electrical Details

In 2012, Landmark College used just over 3.1 million kWh of electricity, at a total cost of about 

$370,000. This works out to a rolled-up cost35 of $0.118/kWh. Actual costs are divided into 

several component categories, including energy use charges that averaged $0.091/kWh during 

on-peak hours and $0.067/kWh during off-peak hours; peak power demand charges averaged 

$12.65/kW peak during on-peak hours and $3.28/kW peak during off-peak hours. These charges 

made up 96% of the entire Landmark electric bill in fiscal year 2012. Other charges include a 

power factor charge, an energy efficient charge, and a customer charge.

 

35 This is also called the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) and is calculated by dividing the total electric bill by 

the total electric energy (kWh) consumed.

This report is available at no cost from the 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 

at www.nrel.gov/publications.
48 

6.8.3 Electricity Use and Cost

Table 10 provides a summary of electric energy and peak power demand for the college for fiscal 

year (FY) 2012 (July 2011–June 2012), divided into on-peak and off-peak use.

Table 11 provides the cost for each component of energy and power use, along with total costs 

for these components. Note that power demand charges account for about 29% of these portions 

of the total bill. There are some other small cost components that are not shown in this analysis, 

bringing the total cost for FY 2012 to $369,882. 

Table 10. Landmark College FY 2012 Electric Energy Consumption and Power Demand36

 

Table 11. Landmark College FY 2012 Electric Energy Consumption and Power Demand Cost

The power demand charges shown above typically represent the peak consumption for a defined 

period, usually based on a 15-minute sliding window. The load factor is the ratio of the average 

demand for a period divided by the peak demand for that same period. For FY 2012, the load 

factor at Landmark College ranged from a low of 57% to a high of 76%, with an average of 63%, 

based on the total kilowatt-hours consumed and the on-peak peak demand for each month. 

A load factor of 70% or higher is considered a good load factor, and typical load factors for 

educational facilities range from 75% to 80%. In general, a higher load factor indicates lower 

load profile variability. For the same energy usage, reducing the peak demand will increase load 

factor and reduce the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) purchased from the utility. This 

becomes important when trying to estimate total savings due to electricity produced by a 

renewable energy facility.

6.9 Putney Paper

Putney Paper has two facilities in Putney, located near the Basketville site. One of these facilities 

is on the Connecticut River, about 1 mile from the site, and the other is almost directly across the 

street from the site. The distance between the Basketville site and the nearby Putney Paper 

 

36 In this table, energy use is designed at kWh; peak power is designed as kWp. 

Energy and Power Demand

kWh kWp

Energy use Power demand

On-peak 1,736,317 6,638

Off-peak 1,408,354 5,765

Total 3,144,671

Energy and Power Cost

$ $

Energy use Power demand Total

On-peak 157,147 83,990 241,137

Off-peak 94,759 18,886 113,645

Total 251,906 102,876 354,782

This report is available at no cost from the 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 

at www.nrel.gov/publications.
49 

facility is about 400 feet, as shown in Figure 32. It might be possible to position the biomass 

facility to decrease that distance, which could reduce capital costs and thermal losses.

Figure 32. Relationship between the site and Putney Paper 

Image generated in Google Maps

Putney Paper has indicated that they would not be interested in owning a biomass plant but 

would be interested in purchasing heat or electricity produced—if the economics were favorable. 

During the NREL site visit, a meeting was held at the Putney Paper offices. Notes from that 

meeting are included in Appendix E. 

Putney Paper has provided a letter of support for a biomass project at the Basketville site; this 

letter is included in Appendix F.

6.9.1 Putney Paper Operations and Utility Details

The paper mill downtown makes big roles from recycled material and the converting plant 

converts big roles (jumbos) into finished paper towels and napkins, for example, and employs 

115–130 people. Putney Paper does not use pulp chips in their operation; they recycle paper into 

new products. Materials are delivered and shipped out by truck, with a total of 9–11 trucks per 

day coming to the site, mostly during regular business hours. 

This report is available at no cost from the 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 

at www.nrel.gov/publications.
50 

Putney Paper has signed an agreement for delivery of CNG by truck (there is no natural gas 

pipeline to the area) to replace approximately 100% of their oil (though they will keep No. 2 oil 

for backup). It is not a take-or-pay agreement, nor an exclusive arrangement, meaning that they 

are still interested in receiving thermal energy from a biomass facility. They expect the cost of 

natural gas to be less than $15/MMBtu delivered but did not have a firm number at the time of 

NREL’s site visit in September 2012. 

In January 2013 it was announced that Putney Paper Company was sold to Soundview Paper 

Company of Elmwood Park, New Jersey. It is unknown how that acquisition will affect the 

potential of selling steam or electricity to Putney Paper.

6.9.2 Electrical Details

The paper plant operates 24 hours per day in the winter and slightly less in the summer. Putney 

Paper did not supply energy use and billing data but said that their LCOE is $0.11/kWh (all in—

see the discussion in Section 6.8 regarding electricity cost components at Landmark College). 

Putney Paper said that their average electricity consumption is 2.6 MW at the mill near the 

Basketville site, and that they use about 50,000 kWh per day. 

The power at the plant is currently somewhat unreliable, with short-term outages about five or 

six times per year. The restart process after an outage costs the plant about $2,500/hr, and, 

according to Putney Paper, “it might take 2 hours to restart after an outage.” 

6.9.3 Thermal Details

The plant uses saturated steam at 145 PSI, produced by two 20,000 pound per hour (PPH) 

boilers. Putney Paper has a steam load 24 hours per day—about 25,000 PPH in the summer and 

30,000 PPH in the winter. Their average oil consumption is on the order of 750 MMBtu/day.

They estimate the efficiency of their existing boiler at about 80%, and indicated that, if a biomass 

system is put in at the Basketville site, it would tie-in to the header just after the boilers. 

6.9.4 Analysis

Due to a high steam and electric use, nearly constant demand, and high energy prices, Putney 

Paper has nearly an ideal scenario for a biomass heating or CHP plant. Landmark College has a 

significant load, but high load variability and long distance from the site means that it would be 

considerably more expensive to provide thermal energy compared to supplying Putney Paper. 

For economic reasons, we evaluated small single-stage backpressure turbines sized to provide up 

to 30,000 PPH of steam to Putney Paper. We estimated the distance from the site to the Putney 

Paper facility at 400 ft. A 6-inch line would have a pressure drop of about 13 psi, and an 8-inch 

line would have a drop of about 3 psi. Any bends, elbows, or other restrictions in the line would 

increase the pressure drop, as would increasing the pipe run, so we assumed a pressure drop of 

5 psi. As we wanted the steam to arrive at the plant at 145-psi gage [160 psi absolute (psia)], we 

configured the turbine with an exhaust pressure of 165 psia. The saturation temperature at that 

pressure is 366°F, and the system was designed with 10 degrees of superheat to avoid 

condensing the steam in the line. This resulted in the configuration shown in Table 12. 

This report is available at no cost from the 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 

at www.nrel.gov/publications.
51 

Table 12. Back-Pressure Steam Turbine Design Parameters

Parameter Value Unit

Desired Turbine Speed 6,000 rpm

Inlet Flow 30,000 lb/hr

Inlet Pressure 700 psia

Inlet Temperature 705 °F

Inlet Flange Diameter 4 inches

Exhaust Pressure 165 psia

Exhaust Temperature 377 °F

Outlet Flange Diameter 8 inches

Estimated Output 600 kW

Note that this system could theoretically provide all of Putney Paper’s steam requirements and 

offset 600 kW of their typical 2.6-MW load. 

6.9.5 Utility Cost Reduction

At a capacity factor of 90%, this system would displace about 13 MWh per day of electricity and 

about 675 MMBtu/day of oil—which is about 4,800 gallons per day at 139,400 Btu per gallon. 

With fuel oil at $3.30/gal and electricity at $0.11/kWh ($110/MWh), this would reduce the utility 

bills by about $17,000 per day and $6 million per year. (Actual reduction would probably be less 

than this, as the reduction in energy use and peak demand would alter the LCOE from the utility, 

but we did not have sufficient data to evaluate this.)

Other costs incurred are discussed below. 

6.9.6 Biomass Consumption and Cost

The Steam System Assessment Tool was designed for DOE’s Southeast Clean Energy 

Application Center. It can model various heat and CHP system configurations. We first modeled 

the existing plant, which does not have a steam turbine. This model is shown in Figure 33. Note 

that the model shows a condensing steam turbine, but it is producing 0 kW. A turbine is shown in 

the model whether one is included in the system or not. 

This report is available at no cost from the 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 

at www.nrel.gov/publications.
52 

Figure 33. SSAT model of the current Putney Paper steam system with no steam turbine

The “Current Operation” model predicted a total operating cost of $10.6 million for fuel, 

electricity, and water.

The model was then modified37 to include a back-pressure turbine, operating as described in 

Table 12. To account for pressure drop between the facilities, the turbine exhausts at 150-psig. 

Figure 34 shows this configuration. Again, ignore the condensing turbine, as there is not one 

included in the analysis. The thermal load is being used to condense the steam. 

 

37 In actuality, a one-header was first modeled, as shown in Figure 33, and then a two-header model was created to 

include the use of a back-pressure turbine. We have shown the one-header model for simplicity.

Steam System Assessment Tool

Current Operation

34.3 klb/h Emissions klb/yr

CO2 55524

SO2 124

NOx 106

Blow dow n

Number 2 Fuel Oil 0.7 klb/h

33.6 klb/h Steam Leaks

463 F 0.2 klb/h

100% dry

31.7 klb/h 30.0 klb/h 29.7 klb/h

145 psig 0.0 klb/h Users Traps Unrecovered

461 F Condensate

100% dry 0.3 klb/h

0 kW

Condensing

Section

2 psia

34.3 klb/h Vent Vent

250 F 0.0 klb/h 1.7 klb/h -13 psig 0.0 klb/h

213 F

126 F 29.7 klb/h

32.6 klb/h 0.0 klb/h Blow dow n 0.0 klb/h Economic Summary based on 8760 hrs/yr $ '000s/yr

197 F Flash Power Balance

212 F Generation

29.7 klb/h Demand

Import

3.0 klb/h 212 F 70 F To deaerator Blow dow n Unit Cost 2,505

50 F 0.0 MMBtu/h 0.0 MMBtu/h Make-up 0.0 klb/h 0.7 klb/h Fuel Balance

6 gpm Boiler

50 F 50 F 0.0 klb/h Unit Cost 8,132

Make-Up Water

0.0 klb/h 0.0 klb/h Flow

Cond Tk Vent 363 F Unit Cost 8

0.7 klb/h 0.7 klb/h 0.7 klb/h Total Operating Cost 10,645

SSAT Default 1 Header Model

$0.0025/gal

354 gal/h

$3.3/gal

281.3 gal/h

$0.1100/kWh

2600 kW

Model Status : OK

Trap Losses

39.2 MMBtu/h 1.7 klb/h

281.3 gal/h

0 kW

2600 kW

Heat Loss

eff = 89% 0.0 MMBtu/h

27.5 MMBtu/h

Boiler

Deaerator

T

Cond Tank

Condensing

This report is available at no cost from the 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 

at www.nrel.gov/publications.
53 

Figure 34. SSAT model for Putney Paper, with CHP system installed, at Basketville site

Table 13 provides a comparison of the current operation at Putney Paper to producing CHP from 

biomass at the Basketville site. The CHP system reduces power cost by 22% and thermal fuel 

cost by 73%. In addition, net emissions of CO2, sulfur oxides (SOx), and NOx are also reduced. 

Note that all values given are approximate. Power station emissions are based on U.S. averages 

and not on Vermont-specific data, so reductions listed are probably overstated. 

This report is available at no cost from the 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 

at www.nrel.gov/publications.
54 

Table 13. SSA Model Results Comparing Current Operations to CHP Option

Cost savings provided above do not include capital cost debt service or non-fuel operations and 

maintenance costs. Those costs are described below.

6.9.7 Biomass System Capital Costs

Because of the many different possible equipment types, different combinations of heat and 

electricity production, and different fuels, it is very difficult to estimate capital costs for biomass 

CHP installations. We have relied on limited published data to estimate costs for a system that 

would serve the needs of Putney Paper.

Figure 35 shows capital costs for fuel handling equipment as a function of throughput capacity. 

Estimates for a system to serve Putney Paper are for a system that would consume 100–120 tons 

(90–110 metric tons, or tonnes) per day. This is at the low end of the chart, indicating that the 

capital costs for this equipment would be in the range of $26,000/tonne/day, for a total cost of 

$2.3 million to $2.8 million. Adjusting for inflation, this would come to $2.6 million to 

$3.2 million in 2014. 

Cost Summary ($ '000s/yr)

Power Cost 22.7%

Fuel Cost 73.8%

Make-Up Water Cost 0.4%

Total Cost (in $ '000s/yr) 62.0%

On-Site Emissions

CO2 Emissions -1.3%

SOx Emissions 72.5%

NOx Emissions 7.4%

Power Station Emissions

CO2 Emissions -

SOx Emissions -

NOx Emissions -

Note - Calculates the impact of the change in site pow er import on emissions from an external pow er station. Total reduction values are for site + pow er station

Utility Balance

Power Generation -

Power Import 22.7%

Total Site Electrical Demand -

Boiler Duty -30.5%

Fuel Type -

Fuel Consumption 289.7 gal/h 5 ton/h N/A -

Boiler Steam Flow 0.4%

Fuel Cost (in $/MMBtu) -

Power Cost (as $/MMBtu) -

Make-Up Water Flow 0.4%

Turbine Performance

HP to LP steam rate

HP to Condensing steam rate 56.92

29.72

Reduction

4,139 6,749

Current Operation After Projects

57184 klb/yr 57951 klb/yr

Reduction

Putney Paper CHP system

Model Status : OK

Reduction

8,375 2,195 6,180

8 8 0

10,888

Total Reduction

Current Operation After Projects

2,505 1,936 569

-767 klb/yr

127 klb/yr 35 klb/yr 92 klb/yr

110 klb/yr 101 klb/yr 8 klb/yr

Reduction After Projects

8123 klb/yr 7356 klb/yr

25 klb/yr 117 klb/yr

18 klb/yr 26 klb/yr

Current Operation After Projects

0 kW 591 kW -

2600 kW 2009 kW 591 kW

2600 kW 2600 kW -

40.3 MMBtu/h 52.6 MMBtu/h -12.3 MMBtu/h

Number 2 Fuel Oil Typical Green Wood -

33.6 klb/h 33.4 klb/h 0.1 klb/h

23.70 4.76 -

32.24 32.24 -

354 gal/h 353 gal/h 1 gal/h

Current Operation After Projects

Not in use 20 kWh/klb (based on current operation)

Marginal Steam Costs

Not in use Not in use HP ($/klb)

LP ($/klb)

This report is available at no cost from the 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 

at www.nrel.gov/publications.
55 

Figure 35. Biomass feedstock preparation and handling capital costs as a function of throughput

Data source: US EPA38 

Total remaining equipment capital costs are very roughly estimated at $7 million–$8 million, for 

a total price of $10 million–$11 million, with the prime mover only contributing about 10% of 

that total.

6.9.8 Biomass System Operation and Maintenance Costs

Non-fuel O&M costs can be divided into fixed and variable costs. For a rough order of 

magnitude estimate, fixed costs (e.g., labor, replacement parts, and insurance) are often given as 

a fraction of capital costs. Variable costs are a function of wear-and-tear and include 

maintenance, ash disposal, and consumables. Table 14 shows ranges of fixed and variable O&M 

for various types of systems. 

Table 14. Biomass System O&M Costs

Source: IRENA Renewable Energy Technologies: Cost Analysis Series. Biomass for Power Generation39

 

38 IRENA. “Biomass for Power Generation.” June 2012. Accessed June 19, 2013: 

http://www.irena.org/DocumentDownloads/Publications/RE_Technologies_Cost_Analysis-BIOMASS.pdf. Costs 

include equipment for receiving, processing, storage and fuel metering conveyors, meters, and pneumatic transport.

This report is available at no cost from the 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 

at www.nrel.gov/publications.
56 

Fixed O&M costs for a small system tend to be at the high end of the scale, as items like labor 

become less per unit of energy as systems get larger.

Variable O&M costs provided are for electric power systems. For a CHP system with a small 

electric component relative to the thermal component, Table 14 probably underestimates the 

variable O&M cost component. 

Based on capital costs of $9 million–$11 million and a fixed O&M rate of 5% of capital costs, 

we estimated fixed O&M at about $500,000/yr. We estimate variable O&M costs at $5/1,000 

pounds of steam produced, based on methods discussed in EPA’s Biomass Combined Heat and 

Power Catalog of Technologies.40 At 30,000 PPH and 85% capacity factor, this component of 

O&M is estimated at $1.1 million–$1.2 million per year, for total O&M costs of $1.6 million–

$1.7 million per year. 

6.10Truck Traffic Impact of Various Fuels

Here we briefly review the truck traffic due to fuel oil, CNG, and biomass to Putney Paper. 

6.10.1 Fuel Oil

The traditional fuel used at both Putney Paper and at Landmark College has been fuel oil No. 2 

and fuel oil No. 6 (also called bunker C oil or bunker oil). No. 2 fuel oil is lighter than No. 6 but 

has a lower energy density or heating value. The heating value of No. 2 fuel oil varies, but for the 

purposes of this analysis is estimated to be about 140,000 Btu/gal; No. 6 fuel oil has a heating 

value around 154,000 Btu/gal. This analysis assumes that any imported CNG or biomass would 

displace No. 2 fuel oil. 

Fuel oil delivery trucks, like the one shown in Figure 26, range from about 2,500–4,000 gallon 

capacity. At 140,000 Btu/gal, 2,500 gal is equal to 350 MMBtu and 4,000 gal is equal to 

560 MMBtu.

6.10.2 Compressed Natural Gas

NREL spoke with NG Advantage. 41 They informed us that the CNG used at Putney Paper will 

be delivered by trailer. Each trailer holds the equivalent of 350,000 standard cubic feet (scf) of 

usable natural gas42 but compressed to 3,600 psi. At 1,000 Btu/scf, a trailer provides about 

350 MMBtu to the plant.

6.10.3 Biomass

Biomass delivery trucks can typically hold approximately 20 green tons of biomass per truck. At 

an energy content of 5,500 Btu per green pound, 20 tons of wood chips have an energy content 

of about 220 MMBtu. 

 39 IRENA. “Biomass for Power Generation.” June 2012. Accessed June 19, 2013: 

http://www.irena.org/DocumentDownloads/Publications/RE_Technologies_Cost_Analysis-BIOMASS.pdf. 40 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. “Biomass Combined Heat and Power Catalog of Technologies.” 

September 2007. Accessed June 19, 2013: http://www.epa.gov/chp/documents/biomass_chp_catalog.pdf. 41 Lavoie, D. Director of Business Development NG Advantage, Milton, VT. Phone call. 5/17/2013 8:05 a.m. 42 Trailer gas pressure is remotely monitored by NG Advantage, and trailers are typically swapped out when gas 

pressure drops to about 300 psi.

This report is available at no cost from the 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 

at www.nrel.gov/publications.
57 

6.10.4 Trucks Summary for Putney Paper

Table 15 summarizes the carrying capacity for trucks delivering various fuels. A truck carrying 

30 tons of biomass has slightly less capacity than a 2,500-gal fuel oil delivery truck or a 

CNG trailer.

Table 15. Truck Capacities for Various Fuels

Fuel Type Capacity Units Capacity [MMBtu]

Fuel oil No. 2 2,500 gallons 350

Fuel oil No. 2 4,000 gallons 560

CNG 350,000 scf 350

Biomass 20 tons 220

Biomass 30 tons 330

Feedstock requirements for a biomass CHP facility serving Putney Paper’s thermal load of 

30,000 PPH and providing 600-kW electric gross are expected to be between 36,000 and 44,000 

green tons per year. Table 16 provides an estimate of the number of deliver trucks per day at 

Putney Paper for various fuels. 

Table 16. Truck Deliveries for Putney Paper 

Fuel Type Capacity Units Trucks per 

day

Fuel oil No. 2 2,500 gallons 2-3

Fuel oil No. 2 4,000 gallons 1-2

CNG 350,000 scf 2-3

Biomass 20 tons 5-6

Biomass 30 tons 4-5

Displacing CNG or fuel oil with biomass would add between one and four trucks per day, on 

average, depending on the delivery capacity of the current fuel oil and future biomass trucks. 

6.11Recommended Activities for Next-Level Analysis

There are several details to discuss regarding potential energy off-takers in a follow-on analysis: 

• Determine if Putney Paper is still interested in purchasing thermal or electric energy (or 

both) from a Basketville biomass facility

• Include the new truck delivery of CNG in an economic analysis of any biomass project

• Complete an analysis on providing heat or power to the Landmark College campus 

• Evaluate the economics of a thermal-only facility to supply Putney Paper 

• Evaluate other configurations for CHP that might give more flexibility, such as use of a 

condensing turbine or an extraction turbine 

• Refine rough order of magnitude capital costs and O&M costs for an economic analysis.

This report is available at no cost from the 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 

at www.nrel.gov/publications.
58 

7 Codes and Regulations

This section discusses regulations and codes that could impact a biomass energy project on 

the site.

7.1 State and Local Codes and Regulations

The following are taken directly from the Biomass Energy Development Working Group Final 

Report, January 17, 2012.43 A letter from Aaron Adler, Legislative Counsel, states that the 

following is a “summary of current state laws under which the impacts of woody-biomass 

development projects would be reviewed, including electric generation stations, district heating, 

and non-generation stations such as wood pellet manufacturing plants. District heating may or 

may not include cogeneration. Below we list and summarize permits and approvals that appear 

likely to apply to such projects. This list is limited to permits and approvals related to 

environment and land use and may not be exhaustive. The permits or approvals potentially apply 

to all the types of projects under discussion except where noted below in italics” (p. 54). 

• “Land use permit under Act 250 (manufacturing facility, district heating). See 10 

V.S.A. § 6001(3). An Act 250 permit would be required for a manufacturing facility such 

as a wood pellet plant, or a district heating project, if one of the jurisdictional thresholds 

is met. Relevant jurisdictional thresholds include:

o For a commercial project, construction on a tract exceeding 10 acres in a town

with zoning and subdivision bylaws or exceeding one acre in a town that does not 

have both such bylaws. 10 V.S.A. § 6001(3)(A)(i), (ii); Act 250 Rule 2(C)(5)(a). 

These thresholds would be relevant to a wood pellet plant. 

o For a municipal project, construction involving the physical alteration of more 

than 10 acres of disturbed land. 10 V.S.A. § 6001(3)(A)(v); Act 250 Rule 

2(C)(5)(b). This threshold would be relevant to a municipal heating district. 

Under the Act 250 process, a district environmental commission would measure the 

project against a list of environmental, land use, and economic criteria, including criteria 

related to air and water pollution, soil erosion, tariff, impact on governmental services, 

aesthetics, historic sites, wildlife habitat, growth in the town and region, agricultural and 

forest soils, energy conservation, and conformance with local and regional plans. 10 

V.S.A. § 6086(a) (p. 54). 

• Certificate of public good under 30 V.S.A. § 248 (woody biomass electric generation 

facility) issued by the Public Service Board (PSB). A woody biomass electric generation 

facility requires a certificate of public good (CPG) from the PSB unless it is operated 

solely for on-site electricity consumption by the owners. 30 V.S.A. § 248(a)(2). 

Review under 30 V.S.A. § 248 measures a project against economic, energy planning, 

land use, and environmental criteria. The PSB is required to give “due consideration” to 

most of the Act 250 criteria and to the plans and recommendations of the local 

governmental bodies and the recommendations of the regional planning commission. 30 

V.S.A. § 248(b). 

 

43 Legislative Council. “Biomass Energy Development Working Group Final Report.” 17 January 2012. Accessed 

August 28, 2013: www.leg.state.vt.us/REPORTS/2012LegislativeReports/272678.pdf. 

This report is available at no cost from the 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 

at www.nrel.gov/publications.
59 

Electric generation facilities subject to PSB approval under 30 V.S.A. § 248 are exempt 

from Act 250. 10 V.S.A. § 6001(3)(D)(ii). In the case of woody biomass electric 

generation that is part of a district heating or manufacturing project, exemption of the 

generation from Act 250 may require clear demarcation and coordination of jurisdiction 

between the PSB and the district commission, assuming Act 250 applies to the heating or 

manufacturing project. (p. 55) 

• Municipal land use permit (manufacturing facility, district heating). Depending on 

whether a municipality has adopted land use bylaws and what land uses it has chosen to 

regulate, a municipal land use permit may be required for a woody biomass 

manufacturing plant or a district heating project. Municipalities often require conditional 

use approval for commercial projects, which at a minimum must include review of the 

impact of the project on community facilities, the character of the area affected, traffic, 

bylaws and ordinances in effect, and utilization of renewable energy resources. A 

municipality may include other standards in conditional use review, including one or 

more of the Act 250 criteria. 24 V.S.A. § 4414(3). State law exempts from local land use 

review electric generation that is subject to PSB approval. 24 V.S.A. § 4413(b); 30 

V.S.A.§ 248. This may raise issues for demarcating and coordinating jurisdiction 

between a town and the PSB. (p. 55) 

• Air pollution control permits for construction or operation or both. 10 V.S.A. §§ 556, 

556a; Vt. Air Pollution Control Regulations §§ 5-401, 5-501, 5-5003. The Agency of 

Natural Resources (ANR) administers the air pollution control program through the Air 

Pollution Control Division (APCD) of the Department of Environmental Conservation 

(DEC). Broadly speaking, these permits are required for sources of air contaminants and 

establish limits or controls on emissions of the contaminants to protect air quality. Id.; see 

also 10 V.S.A. § 558. (p. 55)

• Permits for discharges to water. As a delegated state under the Clean Water Act and 

under authority of the state’s own water pollution control act, ANR administers a variety 

of discharge permits through DEC. These permits protect water quality. 33 U.S.C. § 1251 

et seq., 10 V.S.A. chapter 47. Different permits apply to different types of discharges.

o Stormwater discharge permits apply to stormwater discharges from construction 

or operation or both. Each of these types of facilities will require authorization 

under the Construction General Permit for stormwater discharges into state waters 

or conveyances leading to state waters during construction if the total land 

disturbance will be one acre or more. ANR, General Permit 3-9020 for 

Stormwater Runoff from Construction Sites § 1.1 (2008). 

o Each facility also may require a permit for stormwater discharges from the 

operation of the facility. These requirements may arise under federal or state law 

or both. The jurisdictional “triggers” for federal and state stormwater permits 

differ. For example, federal law applies to stormwater discharges from 

conveyances into U.S. waters (broadly defined). 33 U.S.C. § 1311(a), 1342(a), 

1362(6), (7), (12), (14). State law requires a stormwater operating permit if the 

total impervious surface will be one acre or more and provides that ANR may 

require such a permit regardless of acreage if the discharge is into stormwater 

impaired waters. See, e.g., 10 V.S.A. § 1264(d)(1)(D) and (E). 

This report is available at no cost from the 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 

at www.nrel.gov/publications.
60 

o The review of a stormwater discharge may occur under a general or individual 

permit, depending on the facility and the discharge and whether the receiving 

water is not stormwater-impaired. See ANR, Vermont Multi-Sector General 

Permit 3-9003 for Stormwater Discharges Associated with Industrial Activity § 

1.3 and Appendix D (2006); General Permit 3-9015 for New Stormwater 

Discharges to Waters That Are Not Principally Impaired by Collected Stormwater

Runoff § B (2003). 

o Other discharge permits may be required if the facility has a water discharge that 

is not stormwater. 10 V.S.A. §§ 1259, 1263. The term “discharge” means placing, 

depositing, or emitting wastes, directly or indirectly, into an injection well or state 

waters; the term “wastes” is broadly defined. 10 V.S.A. § 1251(3), (12). There are 

direct discharge, indirect discharge, and underground injection control (UIC) 

permits. A direct discharge permit will apply to a discharge that is delivered by a 

conveyance (including over land) right to a surface water. An indirect discharge 

means any discharge to groundwater, whether subsurface, landbased, or 

otherwise. 10 V.S.A. § 1251(15). UIC permits apply to injection wells used as a 

means of discharging waste into the ground. 10 V.S.A. § 1251(14). (p. 55-56) 

• Potable water supply and wastewater permit. A potable water supply and wastewater 

permit is required from ANR before, among other things, the construction of a new 

building or structure unless an exemption applies. 10 V.S.A. §§ 1973, 1974. These 

permits are required in order to protect human health and the environment by ensuring 

that water supplies are potable and that on-site waste disposal systems are properly 

constructed and operated. 10 V.S.A. § 1971(1). One or more of the facility types under 

discussion may be served by its own on-site water supply or wastewater system. 

However, if a site is served by municipal water or wastewater systems, it is possible that 

a permit may be granted based on proof that the facility has obtained an allocation from 

the municipality for water supply or wastewater disposal or both based on the facility’s 

estimated use (p. 56). 

• Other potential permits. Other permits or approvals could apply depending on the facts 

and circumstances of a proposed project and the relevant site. For example, a permit or 

conditional use determination from ANR would be required if one of the facilities is 

proposed to be constructed within a significant wetland or the required buffer zone of 

such a wetland. 10 V.S.A. § 913(a). The review process for such a proposal evaluates its 

impacts on the functions and values of the wetland. 10 V.S.A. §§ 914(a), 6025(d)(5)(A)-

(K); Vt. Wetland Rules § 9 (2010)” (p. 57). 

7.2 Federal Codes and Regulations

The size and design of the plant, the method of steam and power generation, and local permitting 

requirements ultimately affect the actual permits required for a biopower plant. State agencies 

generally handle permitting. 

The federal regulations and permits potentially required for a biopower project include: 

This report is available at no cost from the 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 

at www.nrel.gov/publications.
61 

• National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants covers boilers44

• EPA's National Ambient Air Quality Standards says combustion devices must emit below 

stated levels45

• 2011 EPA Clean Air Act pollution standards requires biomass boilers over 10 million 

Btu/hr for 876 or more hours per year to meet numeric emission standards46

• 40 CFR Part 89 limits emissions on non-road internal combustion engines47

• 40 CFR Part 60 limits emissions on steam generating units over 10 million Btu/hour 

• 40 CFR Part 63 requires reciprocating internal combustion engines or generators over 

300 hp to meet specific CO standards 

• Resource Conservation and Recovery Act Subtitle D covers solid wastes and says the 

facility might be considered a waste processing facility48

• 40 CFR Part 257 sets disposal standards for owners of non-municipal non-hazardous 

wastes, which would include a facility accepting food wastes 

• National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System covers what happens to wastewater 

from the facility49

• Prevention of Significant Deterioration and construction permits requires any new major 

source of pollutants to conduct analysis and use best control technologies50

• Risk management plan requires new facilities to development a plan if certain chemicals 

are stored.51

 

44 EPA. “Rules and Implementation.” Accessed June 19, 2013: http://www.epa.gov/ttn/atw/eparules.html. 45 EPA. “National Ambient Air Quality Standards.” Accessed June 19, 2013: http://www.epa.gov/air/criteria.html. 46 “Final Air Toxics Standards For Industrial, Commercial, and Institutional Boilers at Area Source Facilities.” EPA. 

2011. Accessed January 8, 2013: http://www.epa.gov/airtoxics/boiler/area_final_fs.pdf. 47 “Code of Federal Regulations. Title 40. Chapter 1 – Environmental Protection Agency. Subchapter C – Air 

Programs. Parts 50-99.”U.S. Government Printing Office. Accessed January 8, 2013:

http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/browse/collectionCfr.action?collectionCode=CFR. 48 “Code of Federal Regulations. Title 40. Chapter 1 – Environmental Protection Agency. Subchapter I – Solid 

Wastes. Parts 239-282.”U.S. Government Printing Office. Accessed January 8, 2013: 

http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/browse/collectionCfr.action?collectionCode=CFR. 49 EPA. “National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Compliance Monitoring.” Accessed June 19, 2013: 

http://www.epa.gov/compliance/monitoring/programs/cwa/npdes.html. 50 EPA. “Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) Basic Information.” Accessed June 19, 2013: 

http://www.epa.gov/NSR/psd.html. 51 EPA. “Risk Management Plan (RMP) Rule.” Accessed June 19, 2013: http://www.epa.gov/oem/content/rmp/. 

This report is available at no cost from the 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 

at www.nrel.gov/publications.
62 

8 Conclusions and Recommendations

Estimates of available low-grade biomass range from 78,000–380,000 green tons per year, 

depending on the tool used and the collection region specified. Feedstock requirements for a 

biomass CHP facility serving Putney Paper’s thermal load of 30,000 PPH and providing 600-kW 

electric gross are expected to be between 36,000 and 44,000 green tons per year. Thus, it would 

appear that local biomass resources are adequate for the described facility—but these numbers 

should be confirmed, as described below. 

Utility bill savings are estimated at $6 million per year, biomass costs at $1.1 million–

$2.2 million per year, and non-fuel operation and maintenance costs at $1.6 million–$1.7 million 

per year. Capital costs have been estimated to be $9 million–$11 million.

Key recommendations include: 

• Determine the space required for an appropriate bioenergy facility, including fuel storage

• Inspect the existing buildings to confirm that they are safe for reuse 

• Perform a site-specific and project-specific biomass resource assessment

• Contact foresters, wood utilization specialists, lumber mills, and others to get a firmer 

analysis of available biomass, biomass properties, and biomass cost 

• Hold discussions with GMP regarding interconnection requirements, size limitations, 

electricity purchase rates, and any charges that might be incurred by the site or any 

potential off-takers of electricity from a biomass power or CHP plant 

• Account for the price of this gas in an updated analysis

• Determine if Putney Paper is still interested in purchasing thermal or electric energy (or 

both) from a Basketville biomass facility

• Perform an economic analysis of providing heat or power to the Landmark 

College campus 

• Evaluate the use of a thermal-only facility

• Study the rough order of magnitude capital costs and O&M to refine them

• Perform an economic analysis on each biomass heat and power option presented when 

better numbers for costs and energy savings are acquired.

This report is available at no cost from the 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 

at www.nrel.gov/publications.
63 

Appendix A. Green Mountain Power

Notes From Meeting With Green Mountain Power

Notes from a meeting with Don Lorraine of GMP in September, 2012, are summarized here: 

• GMP is interested in a PPA for any renewable power

• Interconnection size restriction is limited due to distribution equipment 

• He can get Putney Paper load data (15 min.) 

• Net-metering laws in Vermont for systems up to 500 kW, interconnected to GMP 

• Cannot just be a generator under net metering

• The system could be grouped with Putney Paper and credited to Putney Paper bill. 

Green Mountain Power—Letter of Support

GMP provided the following letter of support for this project. 

This report is available at no cost from the 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 

at www.nrel.gov/publications.
64 

Figure A-1. Green Mountain Power letter of support

This report is available at no cost from the 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 

at www.nrel.gov/publications.
65 

Appendix B. NEFA BPE Model Details

This section provides some of the inputs and outputs used in the Biomass Project Evaluator 

(BPE) model for estimating biomass availability over a 20-year period. 

The following tables provide county-level forestry data by state within a 30-mile radius of the 

Basketville site.

Table B-1. NEFA BPE Biomass Data—Massachusetts

This report is available at no cost from the 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 

at www.nrel.gov/publications.
66 

Table B-2. NEFA BPE Biomass Data—New Hampshire

Table B-3. NEFA BPE Biomass Data—Vermont

As discussed in Section 4, we worked with Jennifer Hushaw of INRS, LLC, to develop key 

assumptions for this model; these values are shown in Table B-4. 

This report is available at no cost from the 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 

at www.nrel.gov/publications.
67 

Note that only a few of the counties included in the analysis are visible within the lower table. 

Table B-4. NEFA BPE Assumptions

The BPE model allows the user to project changing or constant rates of usage of high-value and 

low-value timber and changes in growth rate and land use over the project evaluation period (in 

this case 20 years). We set all values to constant with the following results.

This report is available at no cost from the 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 

at www.nrel.gov/publications.
68 

Table B-5. BPE Growth Summary Report

This report is available at no cost from the 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 

at www.nrel.gov/publications.
69 

Table B-6. BPE Growth and Available Volume, 20-Year Projections

This report is available at no cost from the 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 

at www.nrel.gov/publications.
70 

Figure B-1. BPE model—projected biomass availability

This report is available at no cost from the 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 

at www.nrel.gov/publications.
71 

Appendix C. Nearby Biomass Projects

Pellets

According to the Vermont Biomass Energy Development Working Group, the only pellet mill in 

Vermont52 is the Vermont Wood Pellet Company in Clarendon—about 60 miles from Putney. 

According to their website,

53 this facility produces about 10,000 tons of pellets per year. 

The Biomass Magazine Pellets Map54 lists a second facility in Vermont—Beaver Wood Energy 

in Fair Haven. This plant is about 80 miles from Putney and has a capacity, according to 

Biomass Magazine, of 110,000 tons per year. This facility seems to be associated with the 

proposed Fair Haven Energy Center, described below. 

Biomass55 

Currently, two power plants burn wood and wood waste to generate electricity. The East Ryegate 

power station in Caledonia County generates 20 MW. However, state energy officials say the 

Ryegate contract might not be renewed after it expires in 2012. In Burlington, Burlington 

Electric Department’s McNeil Generating Station burns wood chips at 50 MW. 

Three other biomass electrical generating plants have been proposed: New England Alternative 

Energy in Fair Haven, 30 MW; Winstanley Energy in Springfield, 25 MW; and a plant of similar 

output on the site of the former Pownal dog racing track. All three projects are in the exploratory, 

pre-permit stages. Due to reported financing issues, the Winstanley plant project has stalled since 

November 2008. 

In Vermont, biomass efforts tend to focus on direct thermal generation for schools and building 

complexes and several smaller-scale biomass power generators, including Brattleboro Kiln Dry 

(0.38 MW), Pampanoosuc Mills (0.05 MW), Bell Gates Lumber (0.075 MW), and the North 

Country Hospital (0.265 MW). Green Mountain College is installing a biomass boiler that will 

produce net-metered electricity. Middlebury College has installed a biomass boiler that is 

combined with its steam turbine electrical generators and provides net-metered power. 

In total, operational biomass capacity is approximately 70 MW (assuming Ryegate contract is 

renewed after 2012); estimated additional capacity in the near-future: 0.

VTEP strongly supports the aggressive development of in-state renewable power to help meet 

the state’s energy demand with new sources of clean, safe, affordable, and dependable 

electricity. To address the energy deficit described above, VTEP supports a foundation of clean, 

dependable, and competitively priced electricity from a renewed contract with Hydro-Québec 

and the relicensing of the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant. 

 

52 “Biomass Energy Development Working Group Final Report.” January 17, 2012. State House. Accessed June 19, 

2013: www.leg.state.vt.us. 53 Vermont Wood Pellets. Accessed June 19, 2013: www.vermontwoodpellet.com. 54 Biomass Magazine. Accessed June 19, 2013: http://biomassmagazine.com/plants/map/pellet. 55 Page, G. “Renewable Energy Sources in Vermont: A Status Report.” Vermont Energy Partnership, May 2010. 

Accessed June 19, 2013: http://www.vtep.org/documents/VTEP%20ISSUE%20BRIEF%20-

%20Renewable%20Energy%20Sources%20in%20Vt%20-%20A%20Status%20Report%20May%202010.pdf . 

This report is available at no cost from the 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 

at www.nrel.gov/publications.
72 

North Springfield Sustainable Energy Project

A biomass CHP facility has been proposed for Springfield, Vermont, by Adam Winstanley and 

Weston Solutions. This project is being called the North Springfield Sustainable Energy Project 

(NSSEP). It is expected to be sized at about 25-MW electric and would include a thermal loop to 

provide heat to industrial customers at an industrial park. 

North Springfield is about 32 miles north of Putney, so any project at that location would use 

resources from a supply shed significantly overlapping one for a Putney biomass project.

According to Innovative Natural Resource Solutions LLC’s report Biomass Fuel Availability 

North Springfield, Vermont:56 

The North Springfield Sustainable Energy Project is developing a wood-fired 

biomass electricity facility for North Springfield, VT. When running as a baseload 

plant, the facility would expect to consume between 400,000 and 440,000 green 

tons of wood per year. This assumes an average moisture content of 45% (varies 

by season and species) and an average BTU value of 4,625 per pound (9.25 MM 

per ton); these are typical for biomass in this region. 

More information about the North Springfield project is available at their website: 

http://www.northspringfieldbiomass.com/.

 

56 Innovative Natural Resource Solutions. “Biomass Fuel Availability North Springfield, Vermont” (p. 4), 

September 2011. Accessed August 28, 2013: http://swcrpc.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Exh.-Pet.-EWK2.pdf. 

This report is available at no cost from the 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 

at www.nrel.gov/publications.
73 

Appendix D. Site Visit

A site visit was held in Putney on September 5–6, 2012. The meeting agenda is provided. 

Table E-1. Putney Meeting Agenda 

Public Meeting

The following concerns were brought up at the public meeting, held in Putney on 

September 5, 2012: 

• Truck traffic

• Emissions/air inversions

• Proximity to town well and wetlands

• What will be the water source and the total water resource needs?

• What is the scale of the generation project?

• Who will own the plant? 

• Cumulative impacts of pellet burners at Putney Central School, Grammar School, and 

new project

• What are specific southern Vermont feedstocks? 

• Can we look into energy storage ability?

This report is available at no cost from the 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 

at www.nrel.gov/publications.
74 

• What is the cost of a solar study for this site?

• Will local sawmills be used as feedstock sources?

• Will the tax credits be sold?

• What is the total available source of feedstock in the Region? 

• What will be the percentage of additional air pollutants added to the air space of 

the village?

• Are there other EPA grants for this work? 

Meeting with Putney Paper

A meeting was held with Putney Paper (PP) on September 4, 2012. Summary notes from that 

meeting are below.

Attendees: CFO, Tom Moore, Manager of Production Dave Harris, Susan McMahon, Randy 

Hunsberger 

PP’s operation is 100% recycle, they do not use chips. 

Materials come in by truck:

• Three trucks per day finished product (from mill to conversion) 

• Four to five trucks per day fiber

• One truck per day fuel 

• One to two trucks per day fiber clay 

• 9-11 trucks per day total

• Trucking is mostly during regular business hours 

• They have signed an agreement for CNG, delivered by truck, to replace approximately 

100% of their oil 

• They will probably replace number six oil with number two oil for backup 

• They do not have a take or pay agreement

• It is not an exclusive arrangement

• They will spend $300,000–$500,000 to upgrade their boilers to dual fuel 

• They expect the cost of natural gas to be less than $15/MMBtu delivered

• They expect to spend about 45% less than they did with number six oil 

• The plant operates 24 hours per day, slightly less in summer 

• Their LCOE is $0.11/kWh (all in)

• They would be interested in electricity as well as steam

• The plant uses saturated steam at 145 psi 

This report is available at no cost from the 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 

at www.nrel.gov/publications.
75 

• They have two 20,000-PPH boilers 

• They have a steam load 24 hours per day—about 25,000 PPH in summer and 30,000 PPH

in winter

• They use 750,000,000 Btu per day of oil 

• They estimate the efficiency of their existing boiler at about 80%

• If a biomass system is put in at the Basketville site it would tie into the header just after 

the boilers 

• Average electricity consumption is 2.6 MW at the mill near site; they use about 50,000 

kWh per day 

• Power is currently somewhat unreliable; outages are short-term

• The restart process costs about $2,500/hr, and it might take 2 hours to restart after outage 

• This happens about five or six times per year 

• The paper mill downtown makes big roles from recycled material 

• The plant near Putney converts big roles (jumbos) into finish paper towels, napkins, etc. 

(converting plant)

• Putney Paper employs 115 to 130 people. 

This report is available at no cost from the 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 

at www.nrel.gov/publications.
76 

Appendix E. Putney Paper Letter of Support

As part of the RE-Powering application, Putney Paper provided the following letter of support 

for a biomass project at the Basketville site.

Figure E-1. Letter of support from Putney Paper

This report is available at no cost from the 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 

at www.nrel.gov/publications.
77 

Appendix F. Solar Option

Although it is not an official part of this analysis, another technology of interest at the 

Basketville site is solar power. This site has good solar exposure, has three-phase electric on-site 

and could be a great example location for different types of solar installations, providing local 

renewable energy and the possibility of off-grid power during emergencies and for the town’s 

public drinking water system located nearby. NREL did not spend any time reviewing this 

option, but Daniel Hoviss57 with E-Solutions provided solar and shading data, with permission to 

include it in this report.

According to the Vermont Energy Partnership report,58 Renewable Energy Sources in Vermont, 

as of May 2010 there were ... 

...no large, commercial solar generators providing power directly into Vermont’s 

electric grid. Central Vermont Public Service’s 50 KW Solar Array contributes 

power directly into the grid. Green Mountain Power hopes to have completed a 

200 KW array in Berlin by the end of the summer. At least two businesses (Green 

Mountain Coffee and National Life) have installed solar arrays of more than 100 

KW that are “net metered,” with the power they produce being sold into the 

system and its value deducted from the company’s power bill. “Net metering” is 

the preferred system for most residential solar systems, as well. There are also 

several applications, but nothing in construction yet, for projects through the 

Feed-In Tariff of 2.2 MW or less... 

According to SEIA, falling costs make solar more affordable than ever.

• The average cost of a completed PV system dropped by 33% in the third quarter of 2012 

compared to the third quarter of 2011. 

• The average price of a solar panel has declined by 58% since the first quarter of 2011. 

• While these price drops are beneficial for the end user, the sharp fall in prices, driven in 

part by a global oversupply, has put a serious strain on solar manufacturers worldwide. 

Solar Energy is an Economic Engine

As the solar industry grows, so does its impact on the economy. According to The Solar 

Foundations Solar Job Census 2012, there were over 119,000 solar workers in the United States, 

a 13.2% increase over employment totals in 2011.59 These workers were employed at 5,600 

businesses, operating at over 6,500 locations in every state. The increasing value of solar 

installations has injected life into the U.S. economy as well. In 2011, solar installations were 

valued at $8.4 billion, compared to $6 billion in 2010. Vermont ranks 24th in installed PV 

capacity as of the third quarter of 2012. 

 

57 Hoviss, D. Email. E-Solutions. Chairperson at Putney Energy Committee and Town Energy Coordinator of 

Putney, VT.

58 Page, G. “Renewable Energy Sources in Vermont: A Status Report.” (p. 4) Vermont Energy Partnership, May 

2010. Accessed August 28, 2013: http://www.vtep.org/documents/VTEP%20ISSUE%20BRIEF%20-

%20Renewable%20Energy%20Sources%20in%20Vt%20-%20A%20Status%20Report%20May%202010.pdf . 59 The Solar Foundation. “National Solar Jobs Census 2012.” Accessed June 19, 2013: 

http://thesolarfoundation.org/research/national-solar-jobs-census-2012. 

This report is available at no cost from the 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 

at www.nrel.gov/publications.
78 

As of March 2013, the Town of Putney is actively seeking proposals for a solar electric system to 

offset a portion of its electric usage. Solar is the cleanest way to produce power and fits perfectly 

with the reuse plan for brownfields.60

PV System Mockup

Daniel Hoviss provided an illustration of potential PV arrangements located on the Putney 

Basketville site. Figure F-1 shows six potential PV layouts, ranging in size from 15 kW to 

85 kW. Two systems in this design would be ground-mounted, three would be roof-mounted, 

and one would be designed as a covered parking area (southern unit). As indicated in the legend, 

total size of all systems would be about 240 kW. 

Figure F-1. Potential PV system layouts 

Courtesy of Daniel Hoviss, E-Solutions

Solar Shading Analysis

Hoviss provided shading analyses for three different options: the north section with trees 

removed, the north section without removing trees, and the south section of the property. These 

analyses are presented below, without comment. Please note that Hoviss did not include specific 

estimated output for the systems in the mockup, only general shading analysis for a 

50-kW system. 

 

60 SEIA. “Solar Industry Data.” Accessed June 19, 2013: http://www.seia.org/research-resources/solar-industry-data. 

This report is available at no cost from the 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 

at www.nrel.gov/publications.
79 

Analysis of North Section, With Trees Removed

Location Description 

GPS coordinates: 42.97868 latitude, -72.521706 longitude, 49.4 altitude 

System parameters: Fixed-axis, 55.0 kW at 30.0-degree tilt and 180.0-degree 

azimuth

Time zone: Eastern Standard Time 

Winter Solstice day length: 8.9 hrs

Summer Solstice day length: 15.3 hrs. 

Solar Path

Figure F-2. Basketvilleno—Sun path

This report is available at no cost from the 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 

at www.nrel.gov/publications.
80 

Shading Losses

Figure F-3. Basketvilleno—Monthly losses

The total yearly sun hour losses are 5.3% due to shading. 

System Output Results

Figure F-4. Basketvilleno—System output

This report is available at no cost from the 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 

at www.nrel.gov/publications.
81 

Total System Output

The total estimated system output of this location is 75,332.8 kWh/yr. Without shading there is a 

total possible output of 79,968 kWh/yr. This location will lose 4,635 kWh/yr or 5.7% due 

to shading. 

Analyzing the Results

The solar path graph illustrates the path of the sun; 180 degrees is due south and 0, 360 degrees 

is due north. The shading losses chart illustrates the percentage of monthly hours lost due to 

shading in respect to the total possible hours over the horizon. These two graphics should be 

used in conjunction with each other. There may be significant hours lost in the morning or late 

afternoon; however, this does not necessarily mean the location is not conducive to solar power. 

Analysis of North Section, With Trees in Place

Location Description 

GPS coordinates: 45.0 latitude, -72.0 longitude, 0.0 altitude

System parameters: Fixed-axis, 55.0 kW at 30.0-degree tilt and 180.0-degree 

azimuth

Time zone: Eastern Standard Time 

Winter Solstice day length: 8.7 hrs

Summer Solstice day length: 15.5 hrs.

Solar Path

Figure F-5. Basketville 1—Sun path

This report is available at no cost from the 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 

at www.nrel.gov/publications.
82 

Shading Losses

Figure F-6. Basketville 1—Monthly losses

The total yearly sun hour losses are 27.56% due to shading. 

System Output Results

Figure F-7. Basketville 1—System output

This report is available at no cost from the 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 

at www.nrel.gov/publications.
83 

Total System Output

The total estimated system output of this location is 56,273 kWh/yr. Without shading there is a 

total possible output of 79,466 kWh/yr. This location will lose 23,193 kWh/yr or 29.1% due 

to shading. 

Analyzing the Results

The solar path graph illustrates the path of the sun; 180 degrees is due south and 0, 360 degrees 

is due north. The shading losses chart illustrates the percentage of monthly hours lost due to 

shading in respect to the total possible hours over the horizon. These two graphics should be 

used in conjunction with each other. There might be significant hours lost in the morning or late 

afternoon; however, this does not necessarily mean the location is not conducive to solar power. 

Analysis of South Section

Location Description 

GPS coordinates: 42.97868 latitude, -72.521706 longitude, 49.4 altitude

System parameters: Fixed-axis, 55.0 kW at 30.0-degree tilt and 180.0-degree 

azimuth

Time zone: Eastern Standard Time 

Winter Solstice day length: 8.9 hrs

Summer Solstice day length: 15.3 hrs.

Solar Path

Figure F-8. Basketville South—Sun path

This report is available at no cost from the 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 

at www.nrel.gov/publications.
84 

Shading Losses

Figure F-9. Basketville South—Monthly shading losses

The total yearly sun hour losses are 5.86% due to shading. 

System Output Results

Figure F-10. Basketville South—System output

This report is available at no cost from the 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 

at www.nrel.gov/publications.
85 

Total System Output

The total estimated system output of this location is 74,836 kWh/yr. Without shading there is a 

total possible output of 79,968.2 kWh/yr. This location will lose 5,132 kWh/yr or 6.4% due 

to shading. 

Analyzing the Results

These graphs were created with a smartphone device, using one fixed angle, not multiple angles, 

so real-world results might vary depending on the type of mounting system used and if the array 

is adjustable.

The solar path graph illustrates the path of the sun; 180 degrees is due south and 0, 360 degrees 

is due north. The shading losses chart illustrates the percentage of monthly hours lost due to 

shading in respect to the total possible hours over the horizon. These two graphics should be 

used in conjunction with each other. There may be significant hours lost in the morning or late 

afternoon; however, this does not necessarily mean the location is not conducive to solar power. 

This report is available at no cost from the 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 

at www.nrel.gov/publications.