Advisors: Albert George (MAE and SYSEN) and Katie Borgella (Tompkins County Planning Department)
Investigate, compile and analyze data to create a more detailed understanding of biomass energy resources in Tompkins County. Specific work objectives of the position are to conduct the research and analysis necessary to produce a highly-readable report that includes:
- Introduction to the biomass resource and how it could be used to produce energy, primarily thermal energy in the residential and commercial sectors, as well as utilization in firing or co-firing district energy systems
- Details of what the biomass resource looks like in Tompkins County, portrayed geographically, if possible
- Opportunities and challenges facing deployment of biomass in the County
- Quantified biomass energy production potential in Tompkins County, broken down by residential, commercial and industrial sectors, if possible
- Total annual energy production potential of the biomass resource in the County.
This project may be eligible for a $1,000 stipend to allow students to present their findings at academic conferences or further the student’s own research pursuits.