The Northeast Biomass Thermal Working Group (NEBTWG) is a coalition of biomass thermal advocates committed to working together to advance the use of biomass for heating and CHP (combined heat and power) in the northeastern United States. More Info >>

News

NEBTWG and BTEC Form 'Biomass Thermal Pavilion' at NEFI Energy Expo 2013, Invites Biomass Participation

From June 11-12, the New England Fuel Institute (NEFI) will hold its annual NEFI Energy Expo in Foxborough, MA (Gilette Stadium). With its focus on fossil and bio-based liquid heating fuels and technologies, the NEFI Energy Expo is a prime venue to discuss heating alternatives like woody and non-woody biomass fuels and their respective heating technologies. NEBTWG is planning a robust BIOMASS THERMAL presence during this important Northeastern energy event.

BTEC is inviting NEBTWG to help represent the biomass industry through participation in booths 155 & 156. To participate, complete the form located here and email to Marc Caluwe at marc@Hydro-to-Heat-Convertor.com today.  Instructions are included on the form.  Spots will be filled first come, first served.

Northeastern Group Unveils Bulk Wood Pellet Delivery Recommendations, Seeks to Accelerate Renewable Heating Market
November 26, 2012

The technical document provides recommendations for the safe and uniform delivery of biomass fuel for residential and commercial installations nationwide. 

Download the recommendations document here >>

Access NEBTWG's factsheets here >>

Massachusetts CEC and Massachusetts DOER Co-host Webinar on Renewable Thermal Energy Study and Incentives

The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center and the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources held a webinar on August 15, 2012 discussing the Renewable Heating and Cooling Study by Meister Consultants and the state's plans for developing and funding numerous pilot programs.

Download the slides here >>

Watch the webinar here >>

Comment Period Open for Bulk Pellet Delivery Recommendations, Closes October 1, 2012

The Northeast Biomass Thermal Working Group (NEBTWG) invites feedback on an important recommendations and best practices for bulk wood pellet transportation and storage. The deadline for submitting comments is 5PM ET, October 1, 2012.

Read the comments and the submission process here >>

Northeastern Businesses Urged to Request Support from Senators for New Biomass Thermal Tax Credit

NEBTWG is busy reaching out to Northeastern businesses requesting help to recruit co-sponsors for S. 3352, a bill to promote highly efficient commercial and industrial biomass thermal systems.

You can help by sending a letter to your Northeastern Senator! Access our template letter here >>

Find your Senators' contact information here >> and mail in the letter.

Good News From NEBTWG, June 2012

Access June's "Good News from NEBTWG!" here >>

Good News From NEBTWG, May 2012

Companies, governments, and communities around the Northeast are making progress on biomass heating and combined heat and power (CHP) programs and projects, and we've collected a sample to share in May's "Good News from NEBTWG!"

Read more here >>

NEBTWG to Co-Host Heating the Midwest Conference and Expo, April 25-27

The inaugural Heating the Midwest Conference and Expo: Building the Vision will take place April 25 – 27 in Eau Claire, WI. The conference and expo will bring together leaders in the biomass thermal renewable energy industry to discuss and formulate strategies for expanding the use of biomass in the Midwest. NEBTWG is a proud co-host of this event.

Read more about Heating the Midwest here >>

NEBTWG 2011-2012 Update at Northeast Biomass Heating Expo

Access the presentation here >>

Read the summary of NEBTWG's 2011 activities here >>

NEBTWG and BTEC Join Forces to Form 'Biomass Thermal Pavilion' at Building Energy 12 Expo

NEBTWG is planning a robust biomass thermal presence during the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association's (NESEA) annual Building Energy Conference in Boston, MA, March 6 - 8. With its mission to advance sustainable energy practices, the NESEA Building Energy 12 show is the cross-disciplinary renewable energy and high performance building conference in the region, bringing together architects, engineers, builders, policymakers, developers and building managers.

NEBTWG has available space to display biomass services, fuels, and appliances at Booth #1064. To participate, complete the form located here and email to Marc Caluwe at marc@Hydro-to-Heat-Convertor.com today.  Instructions are included on the form.  Spots will be filled first come, first served.

USDA Grant Program Opens, Biomass Heating Technologies Eligible

On Friday, January 20, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the notice of funding availability for the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) at $25.4 million which will support at least $12.5 million in grant program level and up to approximately $48.5 million for the guaranteed loan program.  REAP provides grant, loans, and technical assistance funds for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects in rural-located and agricultural businesses.  Biomass thermal technologies are eligible.

Read the announcement from the USDA here >>
Read the program's requirements here >>

NEBTWG Publishes State-by-State Home Heating Factsheet Series

The eight factsheets describe each Northeastern state's reliance on imported fossil fuels and outline methods to build local thermal energy economies with renewable biomass thermal fuels and appliances.

Access the factsheets here >>

DC Thermal Summit Success: NEBTWG Leaders Engage Washington Policymakers on Biomass Heating Issues

Over 50 biomass attendees from across the Northeast and U.S. visited and discussed renewable biomass heating with a combined 40+ congressional and federal offices during the first annual Biomass Thermal DC Summit. The EESI-sponsored biomass briefing, which featured NEBTWG Steering Committee Member Bill Strauss, reached near capacity.

Access the follow-up from the Summit here >>
View the EESI-sponsored biomass briefing here >>

NEBTWG Co-Organizes, Adds Northeast Speaker to Nov. 16 DC Briefing on Biomass Thermal Energy
The Congressional briefing will be held November 16 from 3:00PM to 4:30PM

As part of the Biomass Thermal DC Summit, NEBTWG is working in conjunction with the Environmental and Energy Study Institute to produce the Congressional briefing, "Heating with Biomass: Win-Win for Households, Economic Development, Energy Security." The event will occur November 16 from 3:00PM ET to 4:30PM ET. Bill Strauss, NEBTWG Steering Committee Member, will present during the briefing.

NEBTWG to Join November 16 Biomass 'Thermal Summit' to Promote Renewable Heating
On November 16, 2011 in Washington, DC, NEBTWG will join with a coalition of rural, renewable energy, and natural resource interests from across the U.S. to engage policy makers and renewable energy-related groups on the substantial benefits of biomass thermal energy use. The public is invited to attend. 

More Information and Event Registration Here >>

Northeast Biomass Heating Expo 2012 Issues 'Save the Date' and Call for Abstracts
The highly successful fourth-annual Northeast Biomass Heating Expo 2012 (formerly Heating the Northeast with Renewable Biomass) has announced its upcoming conference dates of March 22-23 in Saratoga Springs, NY, and a Call for Abstracts. The deadline for abstracts is December 1, 2011.

Conference and Abstracts Information Available Here >>

NEBTWG Joins BTEC in Upcoming Webinar: Regional Perspectives on Biomass Energy: The Northeast
This webinar will provide a current overview of biomass heating in the Northeast, discuss barriers and opportunities for market development and examine successful policies that promote biomass use in the Northeast. 

Register Here >>

NEBTWG Leads Laundry List of Biomass Heating Achievements in Northeast
Steering Committee Co-Chair Charlie Niebling details the progress made on biomass thermal policies in 2010 and 2011
September 2011 Issue

Read the article here >>

NEBTWG Noted in National, Regional Thermal Update
Industry publication Biomass Power & Thermal's August column connects NEBTWG's regional activities to national efforts
July 28, 2011

Read the article here >>

Submit your own comments to the CEP >>

Vermont Capital Residents OK Wood-Heating System
Votes approve a bond that will support the connection of additional buildings to a biomass-fueled district energy system
June 14, 2011

Read the article >>

Read the article >>

NEBTWG's "Call-to-Action" Collects Nearly 400 Signatures, Outlines Next Steps
May 19, 2011

Read the progress update here >>

NEBTWG's "Call-to-Action" a Sign of Biomass Network, Coalition Growth
May 16, 2011

Read the article here >>

Heating the Northeast Industry Tour Touts Successful Biomass Fuel Switches, Mascenic High Featured
April 13, 2011

Read the article here >>

Vermont Looks to Expand Heating Incentive Program to Wood Pellet Systems
March 30, 2011

Read the article here >>

Read the article here >>

Oil Prices Accelerating; NE Biomass Advocates Rally for Renewable Energy
February 28, 2011

With U.S. heating oil up 24 percent and rising; NEBTWG urges a 25 percent replacement of fossil fuels in the Northeastern U.S. by 2025 Read the press release >>

Heating the Northeast 2011 Conference Registration Now Open
Early registrants save on entry fee and hotel accommodations
February 17, 2011

This year’s Heating the Northeast Conference theme is “Moving Forward, Getting Results,” and it builds on the momentum from the generated from the Bold Vision for 2025. View the new program>>

Explore your market options, network with industry partners, learn what changes are on the horizon. Register now >>. Visit www.HeatNE.com for more information.

NEBTWG Mobilizes Network to Contact Senators, Attend DC Biomass Briefing
February 9, 2011

Read the article >>
Read the Senate briefing notice here>>

NEBTWG Steering Committee's Bill Strauss Calls on Maine to Decrease Heating Oil Dependency with Biomass
February 3, 2011

Read the article >>
Read the accompanying report >>

NEBTWG's Northeast Conference Inspires Midwest Biomass Event
Heating the Midwest with Renewable Biomass Summit is set for February 9, in Carlton, Minnesota
January 31, 2011

Read more >>

USDA Secretary Vilsack Responds to NEBTWG Letter
The letter outlines USDA's support for thermal energy and continued dialogue
January 26, 2011

Read the letter here>>

Maine Residents Increasing Use of Wood Heat, Part of Recent Trend
January 3, 2011

As Tux Turkel of the Portland Press Herald writes, the use of wood for home heating among Mainers has increased compared to a decline in oil heating. Several factors are at play in this home heating trend, including fluctuating fossil fuel prices and tax incentives. Read the full article here>>

NEBTWG Expresses Concern Toward EPA's Biomass Heating Article
December 7, 2010

Eight NEBTWG coalition members sent a letter to EPA Region 1 Administrator Curt Spaulding urging the agency to revisit its comparisons between biomass and fossil heating fuels. The letter was in response to an EPA press release on Nov. 22, “With Cooler Weather, Advice to New Englanders for Safer, Cleaner Wood-Burning.”
Read the letter >>

NEBTWG, Northern Forest Center, and 180+ Co-signers Call on USDA to Reconize Biomass Heating Fuels
November 20, 2010

As part of a continuing effort to expand the use of biomass heating fuels in reducing reliance on foreign oil, more than 180 individuals, organizations, and businesses, signed a letter to Secretary Vilsack regarding USDA's "National Biofuels Strategy." NEBTWG has shared the letter with state USDA officials, FSA offices, EPA Region 1 & 2 offices, and the Northeast's congressional delegation.

Share the letter with your elected officials today >>

NEBTWG Profiled for Grassroots Biomass Activity
October 21, 2010

The Northeast Biomass Thermal Working Group (NEBTWG) was highlighted in Biomass Power & Thermal Magazine for its rapid response and turnout regarding upcoming USDA National Biofuels Strategy public hearings. Read more >>.

As Heating Season Nears, Group Calls for 25 Percent of Heating Needs in the Northeast to come from Renewable Energy
October 5, 2010

Today, the Northeast Biomass Thermal Working Group (NEBTWG) called on legislators and state officials in the northeastern U.S. to begin work on meeting 25% of heating needs with renewable energy. 

The group’s plan, Heating the Northeast with Renewable Biomass: A Bold Vision for 2025, details the path towards a 25% replacement of the Northeast’s fossil fuel use in heating with renewable sources of energy.

Read the full press release (PDF) >>

Learn more about the Vision>>

Upcoming Northeast Thermal Events
(download as excel spreadsheet)

NEBTWG is underwritten by proceeds from: