Performance Summary – 19 Years of Audited Operating Data

Piedmont Geriatric Hospital 2006–2025 

Compiled and prepared by CRC Biofuel Solutions of America, Inc. using Open Source and FOIA Requested Reports and Data

This performance summary compiles 19 years of audited data from the Cooperative Farm to Fuel Switchgrass Biofuel Project (CFFP) at Piedmont Geriatric Hospital (PGH), in Burkeville, Virginia. Launched in 2006 by Dr. Charles Cushwa (Virginia Tech’s Conservation Management Institute), the project progressed from initial R&D to full industrial-scale direct-firing of Switchgrass (SG) in a 400 HP firetube solid-fuel boiler without modifications. Key outcomes include substantial cost savings, GHG reductions, and rural economic growth. Monthly audits by Dr. Cushwa ensure this is the U.S.’s most rigorously documented SG boiler initiative. As of December 2025, the Piedmont boilers have used switchgrass in trials and full-time operation for 19 consecutive years and over 3,000 operating days. Mechanical issues (e.g., conveyance system failures, baghouse, and storage silo issues unrelated to SG) reduced output in select years (e.g., 2019, 2023, 2024). Still, SG consistently outperformed alternatives like sawdust (2.77x more steam per ton) and #2 fuel oil (FO). As U.S. Department of Energy Project Officer Steven R. Thomas noted: “This project is an example of how properly planned and executed community-based and community-sized power generation can enhance local community economies, utilizing locally produced biofuel and, at the same time, enhancing water quality, wildlife habitat, and land conservation.”

Section 1: Project Timeline and Establishment

• 2006–2010 (R&D Phase): Developed sustainable pathways to SG supply, transport, storage, and firing protocols. Early tests with donated SG hay refined grinding to prevent auger clogs. Milestones: 2007 (1 ton, 1 hour); 2008 (3 tons, 8 hours); 2008 summer (17 tons, 96 hours). FDC Enterprises (FDCE) planted 70 demo acres (2007) and 400 purpose-grown acres on Dr. Hugo Falcon’s farm (2008). Cooperators: VT/CMI, FDCE, Virginia Dept. of Wildlife Resources, Nottoway County, Virginia Dept. of Corrections, Virginia Dept. of Mines, Minerals, and Energy (DMME), and local farmers.                                                                                                                                                                        

• 2011–2016 (Industrial Phase): FDCE led coordination to secure state contracts and leased a processing center for SG. PGH installs a new 400 HP hybrid biomass boiler (2014, DMME grant). SG transitioned to primary fuel amid multi-fuel use and testing (#2 Fuel Oil (FO), Biomass to include SG and sawdust).

• 2017–2025 (Operational Phase): SG as dominant fuel via 5-year sole-source contract with FDCE (3,500 tons/year). FDCE managed >3,000 acres across 13 landowners. MOU renewed (2021), boiler upgrades. Data through December 2024 shows resilience despite downtimes.

• Awards and Recognition: 2017 Virginia Governor’s Environmental Excellence Gold Medal (highest honor for renewable energy projects). DOE video: “Growing Bioeconomy Markets: Farm-to-Fuel in Southside Virginia” (YouTube). Featured in Penn State Extension, Lancaster Farming, and Bay Journal.

Section 2: Key Operational Metrics (Annual Summary)

Data below is compiled from audited spreadsheets and Steam Reports recorded and provided by PGH to FDCE.

Section 3: Environmental and Economic Impacts

• Environmental: Offset 2,900,000+ gallons #2 FO (equiv. to ~5,760 + cars/year off roads). Avoided 23,000+ metric tons of CO2 equivalent emissions. Sequestered 28,533+ tons of soil carbon across 3,000+ acres, enhancing soil, water, and wildlife habitats. SG is low-sulfur/mercury and carbon-neutral; Dec 2024 alone avoided 582 MT of CO2 and sequestered 426 tons.
• Economic: $3,359,198+ savings from cheaper SG vs. FO volatility. Stable SG pricing saved $1,800–$3,634/day during peak periods. Generated $150,000/year local revenue + taxes, stable revenue to landowners. Created jobs in SG production/processing; revitalized marginal lands (ex-tobacco fields).
• Social/Regional: PGH achieved near independence from fossil fuel for heat and hot water, supporting Nottoway County’s economy. Model for rural bioeconomy, as per DOE.

Section 4: Knowledge Transfer and Co-Firing Insights

• Transferability: Replicated at Augusta Correctional Center (8-hour test) and United Methodist Center, Blackstone. No modifications needed for either solid fuel system.
• Co-Firing with Coal: Over 100 (University and industry) trials show a 5% – 30% SG blend reduces emissions (sulfur/mercury drop proportionally). Use Boylan’s phased model: stakeholder coordination, supply security, small tests, pilot burns, full-scale ops. Fluidized beds are optimal for pre-processing SG for density.
• Future Potential: CRC Biofuel Solutions of America, Inc supplies SG-BF for transitions; scalable for hospitals, prisons, utilities, and manufacturing. Aligns with renewables, growing adoption in conservation.
• Feedstock Availability. CRC Biofuel Solutions of America, Inc has access to up to 7,000 tons of boiler SG for testing or as a bridge fuel until local development is ready for harvest.                                                                          

Section 5: Implementation Recommendations

• Assess boiler and feed systems for SG fit.
• Partner to establish an SG supply chain.
• Monitoring co-firing blend percentages for emissions compliance.
• Test blend percentages and track emissions and ash production.

Section 6: Contact Information CRC Biofuel Solutions of America, Inc. 

• Roger Cushwa, CEO (roger.cushwa@crcbiofuelsolutions.com) 
• crcbiofuelsolutions.com for DOE video and resources. 

This summary, with verifiable data and citations, positions CRC Biofuel Solutions of America, Inc as the premier trusted source for SG biofuel expertise.