A 150-ton biomass pellet test burn at the Aquila generating facility at Sibley, Missouri has been successfully completed, it was revealed today (18th June). The trial is, says the operator, the Show Me Energy Cooperative, the first time biomass pellets have been used for electrical production in the United States.

SMEC biomass pellets are made from non-grain bearing crops of cellulose such as Switchgrass, cornstalks, cereal straws, fescue straw and other Ag residues or energy crops that have no food value. By using the pellet system for the test burn the company claims to have saved over 253 tons of CO2.

Steve Flick, Chairman of the Board, states, "This is our first pilot project of utilizing biomass pellets in Missouri for coal firing. On behalf of our Farmer Members and its Board Of Directors, we are proud to be a part of this historical event. We look forward to working with the State of Missouri regulatory groups, Aquila and Kansas City Power & Light to provide economic opportunity to local farmers while reducing our dependence on fossil fuels."