The City of Dawson Creek is continuously looking for new and innovative ways to save money on energy use and to reduce their carbon footprint.These efforts are part of the plan of the Government of British Columbia to encourage municipalities to lower their carbon emissions; energy derived from biomass is one of the best ways to lower carbon emissions when it replaces fossil fuels. Both the City of Dawson Creek and the Government of British Columbia are excited about the possibilities of biomass use in BC.
Biomass energy is derived from plant sources, is “carbon neutral” and is environmentally friendly. Plants absorb carbon dioxide while they are growing and the carbon dioxide is then released when the plan dies and decomposes. When plant material (biomass) is burned, this release is not different from the decomposition of that material; thus the process is carbon neutral. This means that the carbon that is released from biomass during the burning does not put additional (previously stored) carboninto the atmosphere.
The potential for biomass does not stop at green energy- it also means more money will stay in the local economy. Studies show that fescue straw, grown in the Peace Region, is an ideal source of fuel for biomass facilities. Fescue is grown with minimal inputs and has high energy content. The City started a process to engage local fescue farmers in this new economic endeavour.
Ash from burning biomass contains nutrients. These nutrients can be re-used as fertilizer on the fields that grow fescue. The City is looking into this re-use option to “close the loop”.
Presently, the City is looking for ways to incorporate this green energy source into its operations, in order to help lowercarbon emissions in the City. Check this website soon for more information and the opportunity to have your feedback included in the project.