Use of green technology to fuel new energy center at the Chillicothe VA
On July, 26, the Chillicothe VA Medical Center celebrated the opening of a new energy center (boiler plant) which includes the use of biomass as a primary fuel source for generating steam and electrical power.
In January 2009, the Chillicothe VA was initially approached by then State Rep. Ray Pryor (D-Chillicothe) on the potential of using biomass for the boiler plant replacement project. From that initial conversation grew the concept of what has come to fruition today.
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The biomass boiler will provide 70 percent of the VAMC’s heating requirement and will provide electricity for the new boiler plant.
The energy center, which created many construction jobs over the past two years, is now complete.
In addition to the construction jobs, this project will create approximately 5-10 permanent jobs in the local area for wood chip supply and delivery.
Once fully operational, the biomass boiler plant will save the VAMC an estimated $500,000 per year or over $20 M over the life of the facility. The use of biomass allows steam generation by burning woodchips, which is a renewable carbon neutral fuel resource, and considered a “green” product.
The Chillicothe is the first VA Medical Center to use biomass as a primary energy source for facility steam heat.