Project Details

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Cameron County Biomass Food System

Company: Penn State University Extension

Major(s):
Primary: ME
Secondary: IE
Optional: EGEE

Non-Disclosure Agreement: NO

Intellectual Property: NO

This project is a continuation of the Cameron County Biomass Energy Production Facility under development as a result of the Fall '25 Learning Factory study. Waste heat from the facility will be directed towards container or greenhouse food production facilities to localize food production in Cameron County. Working with county commissioners and the property owner, the project aims to make the best use of energy resources by means of an innovative approach to food production. Conceptual drawing of the conversion of a vacant lumber mill were developed at The Learning Factory with the intention to extend the study to include food production. This proposal would like to focus on that aspect of the project. Since one of the byproducts of the energy production facility is biochar, we would like to incorporate that into the food production effort and possibly include a retail plan for that product.