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Roseville 2040 Chapter9: Resilience Biomass Resources: Fuel derived from biomass can be used in several processes as a source of renewable energy, including electricity, waste heat, and renewable gas. Minnesota has several facilities that use biomass to generate electricity and/or heat. Biomass resources include municipal solid waste, landfill gas, wood waste, agricultural byproducts, food processing residue, and other organicwaste. Much of the biomass resource can come from the metropolitan area, particularly for solid waste and landfill gas, as well as yard waste. Information about the type of biomass resources at the community level is difficult to acquire; there is little standardized assessment of potential biomass resources, and the types of resources vary widely across communities. At present, Ramsey County operates public compost sites for the disposal of leaves, grass clippings, brush, and other compost materials, and the City collects and composts leaves. Additionally, residents can bring their food waste and non -recyclable paper to Ramsey County Yard Waste sites and other dedicated Organics Recycling facilities. The draft Solid Waste Management Master Plan from Ramsey County focuses on reducing risk to environment and public health, increasing waste to energy, reducing waste through recycling and composting, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Among the emerging technologies being considered is the utilization of organic waste as a feedstock for anaerobic digestion. There will likely be opportunities for the City to collaborate with Ramsey County to increase composting and maximize the benefits of organic material. Current and Past Initiatives City of Roseville staff and Public Works, Environment & Transportation Commission (PWETC) is currently studying the utilization of solar energy to help reduce demand for non-renewable energy sources. City staff has met with different solar representatives from installers, financers, non-profit organizations, and the State to look at available options. Each option presents different payback periods, upfront costs, long-term maintenance, grant funding, etc. These considerations will help determine the best course of action to help reduce City energy costs over the next 20+years. Other ongoing ways that the City encourages residents and businesses to conserve energy or take advantage of renewable sources available on -site include: • partnering with the Minnesota Center for Energy and Environment (CEE) to offer a variety of home improvement loan options, • referring residents to Ramsey County's Home Improvement and Suburban Weatherization loan programs, Chapter9 I Page 16