Washington County BioEnergy

Geode Resource Conservation in collaboration with Washington Economic Development Group has secured $18,300 ($10,000 from the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service and $8,300 from the Natural Resource Based Opportunity Grant from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources) to complete a Bio-energy Study in Washington County. This study will complete an analysis that provides strategic guidance for the application of biomass technologies in accordance with realization of improved sustainability and environmental quality, cost effectiveness, security, and rural economic development of a system-wide approach.

Over 98% of the energy used in Iowa is imported into the state. At the same time, Iowa has significant untapped biomass resources in form of animal manures, crop residues and agricultural processing byproducts. Iowa’s livestock industry in particular presents a unique opportunity to increase local bioenergy production while also supporting rural economic development, providing environmental benefits, and increasing animal production sustainability. Within Iowa, Washington County ranks 7th in hog production, 4th in turkey production, and 11th in broilers and is located within 25 miles of a major food-processing facility. The ongoing and future establishment of agricultural industries within the area may also provide additional significant feedstock sources for biogas systems. In spite of this apparently ideal bioenergy opportunity, biomass energy development in the state is almost nonexistent, with the exception of corn-based ethanol, which accounts for 17% of the natural gas consumed in Iowa.

We are hopeful that the analysis will provide useful data in order to capitalize local resources to expand the renewable energy market within the RC&D Area. To learn more about this project or if you are interested in participating, please contact Ed Raber, Executive Director, Washington Economic Development Group at 319/653-8605 or the Geode RC&D office at 319/752-6395