Comment Log Display

Subject: Cap and Trade Funding – Emerging TORREFICATION technology


This is additional information on our March 6, 2013 comments. 

It is clear that the intention of the Cap and Trade program was to
use the collected funds to reduce GHG emissions. 
 
Based on the ARB Cap-and Trade Auction Proceeds:
 “The investment plan will identify the State’s greenhouse gas
emission reduction goals and priority programs for investment of
proceeds to support achievement of those goals. 
The Proposed State Budget for 2013-14 includes a brief discussion
of Administration priorities for investment, emphasizing
investments in the transportation and energy sectors from which
large reductions in GHG emissions are possible.  In addition, areas
to be examined during the planning process include sustainable
agriculture practices (including the development of bioenergy),
forest management and urban forestry, and the diversion of organic
waste to bioenergy and composting. “

Therefore, funds collected from the Cap and Trade program should
primarily be used to help reduce the CO2 being generated in order
to help California meet its GHG reduction goals.

A great number of recommendations have been made for using these
funds that would result in very little reduction of GHGs for the
funds used. 

I suggest selecting projects, that receive funding, be based on a
cost benefit ratio or other practical economic basis or potential
to reduce GHGs long term. 

If the Cap-and Trade program is to continue it should show maximum
GHG reductions for funding spent. 

Consider projects that have the potential to significantly reduce
GHGs per dollar spent over other projects. 

California was considered a leader in CO2 reduction technology and
a good portion of this has been on the promotion and investment in
new technology. 

Investing some funds in emerging technology such a Torrefication
could result in converting hundreds of millions of tons of forest,
agricultural waste, MSW and other woody biomass into useful clean
burning fuel that is essentially carbon neutral to offset fossil
fuel. 

This fuel could be used in Combination Heat and Power CHP systems
and gasification systems that reduce the load on the electric grid.
Torrefied wood is an ideal form of solid energy that can be used in
many applications in lieu of fossil fuels.

When waste biomass is used, not only is the condensed solar energy
from the sun utilized a more important benefit is that all the
gases including methane gas is prevented from the decomposing
biomass. Only waste biomass use has this GHG “avoidance” benefit. 

Other countries around the world are now investing in this biomass
Torrefication technology and it could result in not only major GHG
reductions but it could also reduce forest wildfires, reduce
biomass to landfills, utilize and give value to agricultural waste,
create new industries and jobs along with many other social and
economic benefits. 

Best regards,

John A. Paoluccio PE, CEO

CNFbiofuel, Inc. 
P.O. Box 1316, 5038 Salida Blvd. 
Salida, CA 95368 USA 
Ph  209-545-1663  
Fax  209-545-3533   
Email  info@CNFbiofuel.com   
www.CNFbiofuel.com
Associate Company:   Inventive Resources, Inc.,   
Lic. # 902153   www.iriproducts.com  
Registrations: ME 15046, FP 248 and AE 309