Norwich University to celebrate opening of $6.2 million biomass heating plant

Norwich University officials celebrate the opening of a $6.2 million biomass heating plant with a public ceremony that includes limited guided tours from 4 ‘ 5 p.m. on Friday, October 25, and continues with a ribbon-cutting event.
The new plant was constructed by Vermont contractors and will annually burn 13,000 tons of wood chips obtained from within a 100-mile radius. Incorporated into Norwich's central heating plant in the middle of campus, the two boilers within the plant will save the university $1 million in heating costs each year, replacing the annual consumption of 657,000 gallons of fuel oil. Filters will remove 50% of soot compared to burning oil, and burning wood will reduce 97% of sulfur dioxide and miscellaneous metals emissions.
‘This biomass plant evidences Norwich University’s desire to increase usage of renewable energy for the benefit of our environment, our economy, and our long-term energy security,’ said President Richard W. Schneider. ‘This investment is good business and it is good sense.’
Construction began in November 2012, and the plant fired up on schedule Monday, October 14.
Following the guided tours, university officials will proceed with a program of remarks and a ribbon cutting ceremony at 5:30 p.m., which is open to the public. This event is held in conjunction with a visit from Norwich’s Board of Trustees.