Barriers to utilization of municipal biomass residues for bioenergy

Municipal biomass residues (MBR) are plentiful in the southeastern U.S. Despite favorable economic and policy contexts, few cities generate bioenergy from MBR. We hypothesized that the perspectives of the actors managing MBR have hindered implementation. We conducted interviews among stakeholders in Wake County, NC to investigate MBR use. Barriers that prevented stakeholders from adoptingMBR to energy programs included lack of economic incentives for key practices, lack of credible enforcement for MBR use regulations,and poor communication. We discuss opportunities for Extension specialists to facilitate stakeholder interactions related to MBR utilization and bioenergy. © by Extension Journal, Inc.

Duke Scholars

Author Toddi Steelman Environmental Sciences and Policy