Noteboom The Law Firm

VA Medical Center to Build Biomass Energy Plant

June 25, 2010 - With budgets being constrained in every way possible, any steps that can be taken to save money should be taken. The Chillicothe Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center will be the first VA medical center with a biomass energy plant. The plant will use wood chips as a primary fuel source and will generate steam and electrical power. The cost savings it is expected to generate will be exceptional.

Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the Chillicothe VA was awarded $14 million to make this project happen. The establishment of this plan comes on the heels of 2 government studies verifying they are cost effective and will have a positive effect on the environment. That this plant is being funded demonstrates how progressive the VA has become.

Biomass plants burn wood chips, which in turn create steam generation, which is then used for supplying power. Biomass plants are testaments to being able to generate power in a non-petroleum based format. These plants are celebrated from an environmental standpoint because the woodchips themselves are:

• Renewable resources;
• Carbon neutral; and
• A "green" product.

 Not only will the plant make the VA Medical Center (VAMC) much more energy efficient. Additionally, the plant will be able to supply power to the local community on a broad basis. The U.S. Forestry Service subsidized a study to look into the fuel efficiency of the plant. The study's conclusions were that the cost savings to the Chillicothe VA would be approximately $896,000 per year.

Aside from generating electricity for off-campus sites, constructing the plant will generate many local construction jobs. The plant will require 15 months to construct and once completed, will continue to aid the local community. At least 12 sustainable jobs will be created in the logging and trucking areas.  

Initiatives like this demonstrate our nation's resolve to reduce dependence on petroleum products as a source of energy. At the same time, biomass plants such as this one will boost the local economy. As a service, these plants will help that same economy save on their utility bills.