UI Using More Sustainable Energy

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August 26, 2015

From KGAN-TV: The University of Iowa is increasing its use of renewable energy sources.

A grass being grown by local farmers is part of that plan. The Biomass Fuel Project is a partnership with Iowa State University. Tuesday lawmakers got a tour of the grasslands and learned how the University of Iowa is using it for energy.

“I think anytime that Iowa farmers can grow energy it's a positive step,” says Iowa City Farmer Dan Black.

The green leafy giant is helping UI increase its use of more sustainable energy sources.

“We know that global climate disruption is occurring and we think that we can find a better alternative to fossil fuels through growing our own fuel,” says University of Iowa Sustainability Office Director Liz Christiansen.

True to its name, Giant Miscanthus is really, really big—reaching 12 feet tall.

The university has 350 acres planted so far.

”The whole idea of course is to move away from fossil fuels, to move away from burning coal and burning something that's much cleaner, that can be produced locally, so it's good for the economy as well,” says Congressman Dave Loebsack.

The University’s main power plant started burning Giant Miscanthus with coal in June. An average of 280,000 pounds/hour of steam goes to turbine generators which produce energy and is also sent around campus for other thermal uses.

The university hopes to eventually cover 10 percent of the its energy needs with the plant as an alternative to fossil fuels. UI wants to use 40 percent renewable energy by 2020.

The university says it's looking for landowners to take part. Next year officials hope to plant another 350 acres.