University of Iowa finds co-firing coal with 50% oat hulls reduces CO2 emissions by 40%

In Iowa, researchers at the University of Iowa found that co-firing oat hulls from nearby Quaker Oats with coal in the university’s boilers reduces CO2 emissions by 40%. Particulate matter, hazardous substances and heavy metals emissions were also significantly reduced. At a 50/50 blend, particulate emissions reduced by 90%. The study analyzed straight coal, 50/50 oat hulls/coal, and 3.8 percent wood chips/96.2 percent coal. Though the overall emissions were similar for all three fuel blends, it’s the reduction in fossilized carbon that is most important to the university’s overall environmental goals.