Central Illinois Biochar Group (United States)

A biochar group is being organized in central Illinois.  The provisional coordinator is Dr. Paul S. Anderson, known for his work with Top-Lit UpDraft (TLUD) pyrolytic gasifier cookstoves. He recently joined the listserv at biochar@yahoogroups.com and has met Kelpie Wilson, Ronal Larson and a few other biochar enthusiasts. Dr. Anderson lives in the Bloomington-Normal community.

Another member is Paul Wever, President of Chip Energy, in Goodfield, Illinois. Chip Energy makes small, updraft gasifiers that can be used to create biochar (20% by weight). The Chip Energy Biomass Grill can be purchased ($300); the much larger, fully-automated Biomass Furnace (150 K – 250 K BTU/h) is currently only available for inclusion in R&D projects.  Paul Anderson is the other co-founder and partner of Chip Energy.

These two initial members are primarily “char makers” and they will be supportive of members with serious “char using” interests. Prospective members should contact Dr. Anderson by email or telephone: 309-452-7072.