Several groups are trying to figure out how available woody biomass is in the area.

David Donovan from Xcel Energy says woody biomass comes from waste wood from existing forest products, harvest residue like tree tops, and hybrid trees grown specifically to create energy.

It’s used to produce energy that would replace fossil fuels. Researchers are trying to find woody biomass within a 50 mile radius of West Salem in the counties highlighted on these maps. They’re also talking about the costs and benefits of partnering with farmers to find woody biomass from land they wouldn't ordinarily use for business.

Researchers say the short-term goal is to find 26,000 green tons of woody biomass for fuel at Xcel Energy's French Island power plant every year. That’s how much its permit allows for. The State Office of Energy Independence and Xcel Energy will fund the project with $25,000 grants.

The study is expected to be finished by November.