ADVERTISEMENT

A lot has changed in Alaska's biomass energy sector since the 2010 Pacific West Biomass Conference & Trade Show. At this year’s event, Thomas Deerfield, president of Alaska-based Dalson Energy, will illuminate those changes and share significant updates about the state’s bioenergy industry, along with lessons learned in the application of community-scale systems.

“It’s all based on the fact that Alaska is a harbinger for all of North America in energy needs,” he said of his presentation for the 2011 show Jan. 10-12 in Seattle, citing fuel costs in Alaska at about 50 percent higher than in the lower 48. “And that’s exacerbated by really incredible transportation issues up there.” Fewer and more difficult roads in the sparsely-populated state mean fuel must be transported by barge or even airplane, adding significantly to the risks and costs, both monetary and environmental.

“The benefit of moving to biomass fuels and fuel delivery systems in general is a significant environmental benefit beyond issues just in delivery,” he explained, adding that barge accidents in the state’s rivers can be very damaging on multiple fronts. “The rivers aren’t just transportation corridors. They’re the food source for many people in Alaska.”

Dalson Energy has gained ground on many projects since this time last year, namely its Boiler in a Box, which is a pre-plumbed, pre-wired, pre-insulated boiler in a shipping container sent to rural communities. The product allows pre-assembly of the system rather than difficult construction in the rural areas, known locally as Bush Alaska and much more difficult to access than rural areas in the lower 48. “Rural in Alaska means you either fly or take a boat,” Deerfield said.

During his presentation, titled Community-Scale Systems in Alaska and featured on the panel The Perfect Fit: Community Scale Approaches to Energy Production, Deerfield will discuss multiple biomass energy systems in development across the state, as well as important lessons learned from projects already on the ground. “Fuel source and quality is a big, big issue that regularly gets ignored,” he said.

“We’re a moving target in Alaska and a lot is going on. There’s plenty to talk about in changes since last year.” Deerfield will also touch on the sense of urgency in the entire renewable energy industry, as crude oil prices continue to rise and the American economy fails to respond as quickly as suggested by the government. “Energy is just going to be more expensive over time,” he said. “My suggestion is the renewable energy industry take full advantage of support available now in stimulus, incentives and subsidies as if there were no tomorrow because there may not be.”

For more information or to register for the Pacific West Biomass Conference & Trade Show, visit www.pacificwestbiomassconference.com.