Minnesota utility to try burning corn cobs at plant

WILLMAR, Minn. (AP)--When it comes to meeting a state mandate for renewable energy, a western Minnesota utility says corn cobs might be the answer.

The Willmar Municipal Utilities will test burning cobs along with coal at its power plant this winter. If all goes well, officials hope the new setup will both meet the renewable energy requirements and boost local farm income.

All Minnesota utilities must have at least 25 percent of energy needs met by renewable sources by 2025.

In addition to generating power through biomass like corn cobs, the utility also has a $10 million wind turbine project going.

Officials say the test burn in February will show whether coal and corn cobs can burn together and whether the process is effective and efficient.

11/24/08
4 Star NE\2-B

Date: 11/19/08

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