Biomass Energy Foundation (BEF)

Mission

The Biomass Energy Foundation (BEF) is a small not-for-profit entity founded in 1984. BEF has broad interests, but specializes in issues of biomass gasification, especially at the small and micro scales. As stated at our website: Our Mission is to Develop and Deploy Renewable Alternative Fuels. This includes fuels for cookstoves and for clean indoor air. The strength of BEF is in its theoretical understanding and practical applications/solutions of biomass gasification at the levels of: cookstoves, residential heating, cottage-industry process heat, and small-scale electricity generation.

Organization Type Non-Governmental Organization

Contact Information

This information has been removed as it is likely no longer accurate

Primary Initiatives, Target Populations, and Scope of Work:

United States: Crucial research and development of gasification technologies are conducted in BEF facilities in Colorado and Illinois. Cambodia: In cooperation with GERES and CFSP, the top-lit updraft (TLUD) forced-air micro-gasifier for residential cooking is being introduced into urban settings. Brazil: For an Amazonian community, a gasifier for 20 kW electrical power is being developed to use the waste seeds of the asci plant as fuel.

Fuels/Technologies: Alcohol Fuels
Biomass
Sectors of Experience: Education
Energy
Renewable Energy
Countries of Operation: United States

Our Experience And Interest In The Four PCIA Central Focus Areas

Social/Cultural barriers to using traditional fuels and stoves:

The role of BEF is the discovery and refinement of clean-combustion technologies, while keeping in mind the social and cultural barriers of developing and also developed societies that could share in the benefits. BEF provides innovative solutions, but is not positioned as an independent distributor or field-tester concerning the barriers of acceptance. In Cambodia, a pilot study on social acceptance is underway in cooperation with GERES and CFSP.


Market development for improved cooking technologies:

BEF is interested in market development and will cooperate with other PCIA partners who are positioned to develop markets. BEF's biggest contribution for market development is the provision of exceptionally clean-burning cookstoves to show so that people can have the highest expectations and at a reasonable price.


Technology standardization for cooking, heating and ventilation:

BEF development of micro-gasifiers has shown that biomass fuels can be combusted very cleanly. Technology standardization should take into account what actually can be accomplished with appropriate and sustainable technology.


Indoor air pollution exposure and health monitoring:

The TLUD gasifiers developed by BEF are available for use in tests to monitor IAP exposure. Please see the references provided below.

Relevant Publications or Studies

Biomass Gasification: Clean Residential Stoves, Commercial Power Generation, and Global Impacts."

Our Contribution to the Partnership

Through the members of the Biomass Energy Foundation, BEF can provide cutting-edge technology on micro-gasification for the reduction of indoor air pollution. BEF members are also active members in other PCIA partner organizations, such as ETHOS.