University looks to biomass

If plans to burn leftover oats as an alternative fuel source are approved, the University of Iowa Power Plant could save more than a half million dollars.

More than oatmeal

The university is located in Iowa City, and with the Quaker Oats Co. just down the road in Cedar Rapids, a biomass source is readily available. A $20,000 two-week pilot program will burn biomass obtained from the cereal maker, and if adopted, the measure could save the university between $324,000 and $624,000 within a year, powerplant officials said.

Quaker Oats first approached the university about the project in February. The company seeks to increase its profits though the sale of biomass—oat hulls and husks that have been treated with sulfuric acid and heat. The powerplant now uses coal and used tires for fuel. It would burn biomass in conjunction with coal.

Print friendly version