Biomass Availability in Maine by Jacob Kavkewitz & Jonathan Rubin

July 3rd, 2007

The specific goal of the research project is to use data mapping to find the best possible locations for biofuel plants in Maine, and the best methods to achieve the economically optimal supply side results of the Forest Products Research Initiative. The project goals will be accomplished by the following methods: 1) The collection and reconciliation of data on the location of biomass availability with the potential for biofuel in Maine. Two major sources of data have currently been identified: data provided by the Billion Tons Report and data from the Maine Department of Conservation. , Other data sources are also used in the project. 2) Mapping these data using a Geographic Information System (GIS). Part of this task will be to identify relevant GIS mapping that may already be available. 3) Identify relevant roadways, rivers and barriers to access and transport of biomass. 4) Identify flows of biomass into and out of Maine that affect the biomass availability, and 5) Identify and, if feasible, estimate price relationships that affect the physical biomass supply.

Jacob