Biomass is organic, non-fossil matter, which is available on a renewable or recurring basis. It can be derived from timber industry, agriculture (including crop and animal waste), and household waste. In Virginia, this resource is often harnessed through the incineration of municipal solid waste or the recovery of biogas from landfills. Biomass can be used to generate electricity with the same technology used by fossil fuel-burning power plants. The use of renewable biomass creates additional value in farm, forestry and other industries, by reducing waste streams.

The "Small Renewable Energy Projects" statute addresses electricity generation from biomass, energy from waste, and municipal solid waste.  A Notice of Intended Regulatory Action (NOIRA) for combustion projects was published in the Virginia Register of Regulations on February 28, 2011.  The Combustion Regulatory Advisory Panel began meeting in April of 2011.  To follow the regulatory development, see DEQ's Combustion Based Energy page.

Energy from Landfill Gas

Information on landfill gas to energy

Energy from Municipal Solid Waste

Information on municipal solid waste as an energy source