Electricity
Electricity has long been a product of the Sierra. Powered by intermediate energy carriers -typically water (hydroelectric power), wind, or hot gases produced by the combustion of a source material, such as woody biomass, rotating turbines produce most commercially available grid-tied electricity.
Although it is produced in the Sierra, and distributed to other regions hundreds of miles away, in parts of the Sierra grid-tied electricity may be inaccessible, unreliable, or not cost-effective. Rural forest communities worldwide are using overabundant, locally sourced woody biomass to power rural areas within a local, or regional micro-grid, while simultaneously improving or restoring forest health, and creating new economic and educational opportunities for forest residents.
Small electricity generators -those that power single buildings, or that serve as back-up generators, are often powered by reciprocating engines run on biogas, (biofuel) that can be also be made from woody biomass. See also Infrastructure: Power Plants
In this category you will find micro-grids worldwide powered by generators that burn woody biomass, United Nations and United States Rural Energy Security programs, and projects in the Sierra.
