Biomass appliance manufacturers take center stage at the Capitol

Tax credit proposal would help boost efficiency and save Minnesotans money

ST. PAUL, MINN. – Homeowners who make the switch to high – efficiency biomass heating appliances could be getting a tax credit – if a bill introduced in the Minnesota House of Representatives is passed this legislative session.

Not only are biomass heating systems up to 85 percent efficient, they are also scalable – you can easily use a biomass furnace or boiler to heat a single home, a commercial building, and even an entire community, according to the Biomass Thermal Energy Council. Biomass also comes in handy because it’ s a natural by-product from local lumber mills, furniture producers and loggings sites. Finally, expanding the use of biomass thermal energy also stimulates rural economic development, creates jobs, and enables energy savings. Consumers purchasing a high – efficiency biomass heating appliance help to support manufacturers and supply chain companies located across the state with many located in Greater Minnesota.

Several Minnesota – based biomass heating system manufacturers have banded together to push for the tax credit – which they say will help offset the upfront capital costs for Minnesotans seeking to switch to a more affordable and renewable source of heat. A representative from Central Boiler located in Greenbush, made the trip to St. Paul on Tuesday this week to testify in front of the House Job Growth and Energy Affordability Policy and Finance Committee alongside chief author of the House legislation, Rep. Deb Kiel (R – Crookston).

“Advanced wood heating systems provide a clean, reliable, and efficient source of heat but are not yet mainstream,” said Dennis Brazier, the CEO of Central Boiler. “This bill would make it easier for Minnesotans to access these innovative technologies, many of which are produced right here in the state by manufacturing companies like ours.”

“For thousands of Minnesota households, especially those located in Greater Minnesota, biomass thermal energy offers an opportunity to reduce their energy costs using a local and renewable resource,” said Chuck Gagner, president of Northwest Manufacturing. “The tax credit would help accelerate the deployment of biomass thermal technologies while keeping our energy dollars local and stimulating needed markets for biomass in the state.”

“Expanding the use of biomass thermal in Minnesota would further diversify our energy economy, provide an affordable and renewable heating option for consumers, and stimulate the creation of jobs throughout the state’s biomass heating supply chain,” said Gregg Mast, Executive Director of Clean Energy Economy Minnesota.

About Clean Energy Economy Minnesota (CEEM): CEEM is an industry-led, non – profit organization dedicated to strengthening Minnesota’s clean energy business ecosystem. CEEM provides a unified voice for clean energy business across the state. Our mission is to provide educational leadership, collaboration, and policy analysis that accelerates clean energy market growth and smart energy policies.

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Contact:
Amelia Cerling Hennes
ahennes@cleanenergyeconomymn.org
507.251.5140