Biomeiler Weekend

(If you’re not quite sure what a biomeiler is: click here.)

The quiet after the storm

Most of the prep work went to plan — some perfectly, like our partner wavin deliviering pipes and tubing. And some requiring a bit of adjustment: There was a wee bit of rain in the days leading up to the biomeiler build. Suddenly, we found a spring bubbling up in the middle of our meiler site, turning the sand into quicksand that claimed a couple of boots and socks. Some drainage channels later, the socks were avenged. And everything in place for the big day…

…and the Big Day:

Thank you for everybody who showed up — on a Saturday — to help with this! And thank you wavin for the T-Shirts (and everything else you guys are doing!)

What is a Biomeiler?

A Biomeiler is a sustainable technology used for heating buildings, generating electricity and composting organic waste. It consists of a large pile of wood chips, surrounded by pipes carrying water, and a layer of soil and compost on top. As the pile decomposes, heat is generated and transferred to the water pipes, which can be used for space heating or to generate electricity using a turbine. The composting process also creates nutrient-rich soil that can be used for gardening or farming.

Biomeilers make sense as part of a smart grid for a regenerative village because they are a renewable energy source that can be produced locally and sustainably. They are also versatile, as they can be used for both heating and electricity generation, which can be critical during times of high demand or energy shortages. Moreover, by composting organic waste, biomeilers can reduce the environmental impact of waste disposal and create a valuable resource for the community.

Overall, the use of biomeilers aligns with the principles of regenerative agriculture and community-based sustainability, and can be an important part of a larger strategy for building resilient, self-sufficient communities.