[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 157 (Tuesday, August 16, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-20054]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: August 16, 1994]


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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
 

Golden Field Office; Federal Assistance Award to Utility Biomass 
Energy Commercialization Association (UBECA)

AGENCY: Department of Energy.

ACTION: Notice of Financial Assistance Award in Response to an 
Unsolicited Financial Assistance Application; 36-94GO10025.

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SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), pursuant to the DOE 
Financial Assistance Rules, 10 CFR 600.14, is announcing its intention 
to enter into a cooperative agreement with the Utility Biomass Energy 
Commercialization Association (UBECA) for the development of a Biomass 
Energy Development Plan for the development of sustainable biomass 
resources and competitive biomass energy conversion technologies.

ADDRESSES: Comments and questions regarding this announcement may be 
addressed to the U.S. Department of Energy, Golden Field Office, 1617 
Cole Blvd., Golden, Colorado 80401, Attention: W. Webb, Contract 
Specialist. The telephone number is 303-275-4724. The Contracting 
Officer for this action is John W. Meeker.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: DOE has evaluated, in accordance with the 
DOE Federal Assistance Regulations, 10 CFR Sec. 600.14, the unsolicited 
proposal entitled ``Biomass Energy Development Plan'' and recommends 
that the unsolicited proposal be accepted for support without further 
competition in accordance with Sec. 600.14 of the Federal Assistance 
Regulations.
    This proposal is in support of the DOE Biomass Power Program and 
the President's Climate Change Action Plan. The Climate Change 
challenge addresses (1) meeting the energy needs of the Nation, (2) 
promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy, and (3) promoting 
energy policy that protects the environment, as well as supporting the 
development of energy efficient measures and low-emission and non-
emitting power generation technologies.
    This project involves cost sharing with the Utility Biomass Energy 
Commercialization Association (UBECA) for the development of a multi-
year industry supported ``Biomass Energy Development Plan'' that 
encourages the development of economically sustainable biomass 
resources and economically competitive biomass energy conversion 
technologies.
    The proposed award will provide funding to UBECA for the formation 
of the association, development of the Biomass Energy Development Plan, 
and initial execution of the program. The objectives of UBECA include: 
(1) creating an industry supported Biomass Energy Development Plan, (2) 
providing a voice for developing biomass power technologies and biomass 
energy crops in the United States, (3) coordinating consideration of 
technology requirements, analyzing the costs and benefits of biomass 
power, developing new applications and disseminating information, (4) 
expanding utility interest and project involvement, (5) developing a 
market/user interface for biomass technology developers, and (6) 
coordinating market interests with other organizations.
    The use of biomass fuels and technologies offers the opportunity 
for decreased emissions both through modification of fossil-fired 
boilers for co-firing wood resources and by creating closed cycled 
biomass systems whereby the resources are grown specifically for 
biomass power production. These ``energy crops'' offer a CO2 sink 
during growth and a fuel source to displace carbonaceous fuels. The 
proposed association offers a forum for utilities to develop a market-
driven program for technology development and commercialization of 
those technologies.
    The steering committee formed for the incorporation of UBECA is 
composed of a group of utilities that are representative of the market. 
The initial plans are well conceived for the recruitment of members, 
development of the multi-year biomass energy development plan and the 
successful creation of an industry supported program. The Utility 
Biomass Energy Association would have the capability to drive market 
introduction, increase technology development and biomass resource 
production, and increase the probability for commercial success.
    The planning, management, and initial utility group support should 
provide a high probability of meeting associations objectives. UBECA's 
goals are consistent and supportive of the DOE Collaborative Strategy 
for Commercialization of Solar Electric Technologies and provides a 
unique opportunity for the acceleration of biomass electric 
technologies by utilities. The total program cost is estimated to be 
$249,200, with the DOE share being $56,000 or 22.5%. This award will 
not be made for at least 14 days after publication of this notice to 
allow for public comment.

    Issued in Golden, Colorado, on August 1, 1994.
John W. Meeker,
Chief, Procurement, GO.
[FR Doc. 94-20054 Filed 8-15-94; 8:45 a.m.]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-M