Pioneering Energy Crops in the Northeast; Project Update: The Salix Consortium (Fact sheet)

Biomass is a proven option for electricity generation. A diverse range of biopower producers includes electric ultilities, independent power producers, and the pulp and paper industry. To help expand opportunities for biomass power production, the U.S. Department of Energy established the Biopower Program and is sponsoring efforts to increase the productivity of dedicated energy crops. TheProgram aims to double biomass conversion efficiencies, thus reducing biomass power generation costs. These efforts will promote industrial and agricultural growth, improve the environment, create jobs, increase U.S. energy security, and provide new export markets.