US Department of Energy Launches New Initiative to Accelerate the Development of the Next Generation of Biomass Wood Heaters

On Friday (6-2-23), the US Department of Energy’s (DOE) Bioenergy Technologies Office announced it has launched a $4 million (USD) initiative that aims to accelerate wood heater innovation and support the development of the next generation of efficient and clean wood heaters, according to a report by Biomass Magazine (6-5-23).

The agency notes that approximately 11 million US homes currently use cordwood or wood pellets for spacing heating. Although biomass is a renewable energy source, outdated and inefficient wood heating appliances create particulate matter (PM) emissions. The DOE estimates that cordwood and wood pellet heaters currently contribute to nearly 7% of the US’s total annual PM2.5 emissions.

In an effort to reduce these emissions, Brookhaven National Laboratory and Lawrence Berkely National Laboratory, with funding from BETO, are overseeing a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) to accelerate innovation in wood heaters and help develop a new generation of clean, efficient, wood heating appliances.

According to the DOE, at least $4 million will be made available for the competitively selected CRADA call. Up to four projects will be selected to participate with a project duration of 12 to 18 months. Applicants are expected to provide 20% cost share of the requested funding.