The state of Vermont and the state of Upper Austria are going to work together to promote biomass heating fuels as an alternative energy source.
Vermont Commerce Secretary Lawrence Miller announced the agreement Monday at a meeting of the group Renewable Energy Vermont.
Miller says both Vermont and Upper Austria are recognized leaders in the development and promotion of biomass heat as a local and renewable heating source.
Nearly half of Upper Austria's heating demand is currently met through renewable sources, with a goal of 100 percent renewable heat by 2030.
In Vermont biomass, such as woodchips, displaces over 40 million gallons of heating oil a year.
The memorandum of understanding announced Monday provides for cooperation between in eating policy development, scientific and technological cooperation, and education and training.
