Modern wood heat is a recognized, energy-efficient way to heat homes, schools and businesses that relies solely on biomass fuels.
While antique wood stoves burn inefficiently, and emit soot and smoke, modern biomass systems emit very little particulate matter and pump minimal additional carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
A transition in energy is well underway in the area, with the addition of Bourne’s Energy’s new 50-ton bulk wood pellet silo in North Hyde Park.
Gov. Phil Scott — who was a Bourne’s employee 30 years ago — was on hand Monday to cut the ceremonial ribbon.
When Scott became governor, his three main goals were to make Vermont more affordable, grow the economy, and take care of the most vulnerable residents.
“I believe that this project fits those goals,” Scott said. “Demand for wood pellets is growing, and we need to ensure that the supply and delivery system remains strong. … Many Vermonters struggle to adequately heat their homes, so it’s great to see wood pellets become an affordable option.”
Bourne’s recently obtained a $52,000 grant from the Clean Energy Development Fund to tackle sustainability, environmental and climate issues, the local economy, and easier northern access to wood pellets.
“We are taking the farm-to-table concept to the energy side of things,” said Peter Bourne.
All the wood pellets Bourne’s purchases are from Vermont companies — Vermont SoftWood Pellets and Green Mountain Pellets.
“If 30 percent of the state’s energy was created with wood, it would create 500 jobs in Vermont,” said Olivia Campbell Andersen of Renewable Energy Vermont. “It’s important that people have access to low-carbon, advanced heating.”
Vermont’s clean energy industry supports at least 16,231 sustainable jobs at 2,519 businesses, representing approximately 5 percent of Vermont’s economy, according to industry statistics.
“My administration is committed to assisting forward-thinking companies like Bourne’s Energy make additional investments in our clean heating infrastructure, and making this technology accessible to all Vermonters,” Scott said.
Peoples Academy
Scott’s administration is also committed to helping schools convert to biomass heating.
Right after the icy outdoor ribbon-cutting in North Hyde Park, he traveled to Peoples Academy in Morrisville to cut the ribbon on its new wood pellet heating system.
The $500,000 system has improved the school’s energy efficiency, and is expected to save Peoples money in the long run.
Peoples Academy also has a 32-ton bulk pellet silo — similar to Bourne’s new silo in North Hyde Park.
Two pages in the Statehouse, Peoples eighth-graders Dylan Haskins and Meghan Kimball, announced Scott’s arrival, and before the ribbon-cutting, the governor fielded questions from students on a range of topics, from whether he’ll race at Thunder Road again to his favorite thing about being governor.
When Scott became governor, he said he gave up two things, racecar driving and making his own schedule. However, he is negotiating with his security team to allow him to drive in five or six stock car races this season.
In terms of education, Scott would like to broaden the perspective “from cradle to career,” and focus on development from birth to 5 years old. He also believes the state needs more access to both higher education and vocational technical training.
He also said that he’ll do what he can to ensure schools serve healthy, affordable food, because in areas where free breakfast and lunch are served, problems in schools have decreased by 50 percent.
“Twenty years ago, I had no interest in politics, but I was a frustrated business owner, and decided that instead of complaining, I should step up and do something to change it,” Scott said. Being a governor, Scott said, is not about being a politician, having power or ego; it’s about being a public servant.
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