Pellet systems bring reliable, low-cost heat to our homes, offices and community centers; in Oregon, they also heat our public schools, hospitals, an airport and National Guard facilities, all within view of the National Forests that are a cherished hallmark in our region and provide this sustainable fuel supply. Yet a shift in pellet producer priorities and biomass energy markets have left gaps in Oregon’s bulk pellet supply chain. Creating new opportunities to close those gaps between bulk pellet supply and demand in the region is critical to stabilize the use of pellets in existing facilities, to expand the adoption of advanced wood energy systems that create a demand for the byproduct of forest management, and to promote the economic and environmental health of Oregon communities. Understanding that solutions demand an integrated approach, Wisewood Energy seeks United States Forest Service support to manifest a reliable source of wood pellets for Oregon’s bulk pellet consumers. The Bulk Pellet Storage and Distribution to Stabilize Oregon’s Institutional Biomass Heating Market project will ensure that Oregon’s bulk pellet customers avoid switching back to fossil fuels and decommissioning bulk pellet systems by: 1. Installing a new regional bulk pellet depot for statewide distribution, supporting an efficient, reliable pellet market for Oregon customers; 2. Assisting customers as they maintain efficiently-functioning pellet boilers via maintenance contracts, including maintenance services during pellet deliveries; and 3. Promoting the adoption of new pellet and wood chip systems across the region to further advance the wood energy industry and support a reliable bulk pellet market for Oregon communities. Wisewood Energy’s strategy will ensure this integrated solution serves not only to meet the needs of Oregon’s bulk pellet consumers but also to reduce hazardous fuels, lower the cost of forest management by stabilizing and expanding a market that uses the byproduct from the forest products industry and to improve forest health.
Create a reliable source of wood pellets for Oregon’s bulk pellet consumers
○ Acquire a site in central Oregon suitable for bulk pellet storage and production (Prineville site preliminarily identified); Determine and secure relevant site permitting
○ Complete detailed mechanical design for bulk pellet storage and pelletization; Obtain electrical and structural designs (from subcontractors)
○ Purchase and install Phase 1 equipment: bulk pellet storage and fueling infrastructure;
○ Initiate Phase 1 operations: procuring, storing, and delivering bulk pellets with service contracts by October 2021
○ Prepare for Phase 2 equipment installation: raw material receiving and pelletizing line. Increase regional demand for advanced wood energy systems by establishing stable wood pellet supply and pricing
○ Update bulk pellet fueling and servicing business plan, including development and execution of customer contracts
