Fuels
The legislation asks the Saint Paul Port Authority and the Rock-Tenn Community Advisory Panel to study renewable energy sources, which includes solar, wind, hydroelectric, hydrogen, and biomass. The Panel has determined that wind and solar are not viable options for the thermal energy demand at Rock-Tenn but continue to review technologies that would allow the use of biomass as a fuel.
Three categories of biomass remain in consideration
Dry Biomass
Dry Biomass fuels may include residues from forestry, agricultural (corn stover), and energy crops. Dry biomass is used with Traditional Combustion and Gasification technologies.
Click here for information on dry biomass fuel options
Wet Biomass
Wet Biomass fuels may include agricultural or food processing byproducts. These fuels must be low in plant fiber (cellulose or lignin) and high in water content (70% to 90% water). The technology Anaerobic Digestion uses wet biomass for the production of biogas.
Click here for information on wet biomass fuel options
Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF)
RDF means a product resulting from the processing of mixed municipal solid waste. RDF is used with Traditional Combustion technology
Click here for information on refuse-derived fuel
Understanding Energy & Fuels
Energy Overview, Jeff Haase, Minnesota Department of Commerce
Rock-Tenn's Energy Needs ( RCAP Presentation, October 2008)
Click here for more information on Rock-Tenn operations & conservation efforts