Biomass Boiler at the Energy Farm (Completed)

Recent Project Updates

iSEE newsletter - biomass boiler

1/17/2024

Sustainability in Action: Biomass BoilerThe 5-year-old biomass boiler at the Illinois Energy Farm is truly a sustainable option. Miscanthus from the fields is dried and used to fuel the boiler, which heats a large greenhouse...
Considerations for clean thermal energy

3/18/2023

There are a few examples of clean thermal energy in use on campus at this time. These include:the solar thermal panels on the Activities Rec Center, heating the three swimming poolsthe biomass boiler at the Energy Farm, heating the two story...

View all project updates »

Project Family

Biomass use on Campus
- Biogasification
- Biomass Boiler at the Energy Farm
- Biomass co-firing pilot at Abbott Power Plant
- Green Allerton Wood-fired Boiler
- Vet Med Miscanthus CHP Boiler

Associated Collections

Living Lab Facilities / Programs

Renewable Energy Projects

Student Sustainability Committee Funded Projects

Description

For many years, the UI has grown significant quantities of biomass plant products at the Energy Farm on South Farms. There have been a few preliminary attempts to identify a post-research use for this material, including the cancelled Vet Med Combined Heat and Power (CHP) project and a study of the compatibility with existing boilers at Abbott Power Plant. Meanwhile the biomass material continues to be stockpiled at the Energy Farm. This project is looking to convert the existing (and future) biomass from the Energy Farm into power for the on-site Energy Farm facility.