Wisconsin Pellet Fuel Firms Receive State Grants

Tuesday 31 July 2007

Two Wisconsin pellet fuel manufacturers received funds from the state's Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection's 2007 Agricultural Development and Diversification grant program.

Great Lakes Renewable Energy Inc. of Rice Lake will receive $25,000 to develop wood pellet fuel from timber harvest waste, a by-product of paper production and other timber-based industries. Agrecol Corp. of Madison will receive $46,000 to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study to develop a bioheat business based on converting native grasses into biomass fuel pellets.

"Innovation and diversity are our strengths," says Rod Nilsestuen, Wisconsin's Secretary of Agriculture. "These projects were selected for their demonstrated ability to add value to agricultural products, help farmers and create jobs."