Ashtabula, Ohio Issued BDO Zone 'BB' Rating for Miscanthus Biomass
Ashtabula, Ohio Issued BDO Zone 'BB' Rating for Miscanthus Biomass
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, ‘BB’ Rating Establishes Foundation for Future Miscanthus-Based Biomanufacturing ,
September 5th, 2025 , The Growth Partnership for Ashtabula County, Ecostrat and the BDO Zone Initiative are pleased to announce the issue of a BDO Zone ‘BB’ Rating for Ashtabula County, Ohio. The BDO Zone Rating for 24,750 bone dry tons per year of miscanthus biomass extends within a 75-mile drive-distance from the center point in Ashtabula, OH.
Ashtabula County’s ‘BB’ rating indicates moderate prospects for Feedstock Supply and Infrastructure with an elevated vulnerability to risk over time, particularly during adverse business or economic conditions. The region features regional miscanthus cultivation and harvesting experience, with the majority of established miscanthus cropland located within 30 miles of Ashtabula. There is currently no competition for miscanthus feedstock within the Competition Zone, offering a clear market advantage. Additionally, the area benefits from well-developed infrastructure, including a rail spur, port access, and competitively priced electricity. While the region shows promise, realizing the full value of its biomass potential depends on continued investment and strategic alignment of local capabilities and supply systems.
Greg Myers, Executive Director of the Growth Partnership for Ashtabula County, stated, “The ‘BB’ rating provides important insight into Ashtabula’s bioeconomy readiness. It highlights both our natural strengths and the areas where further coordination is needed. With strong biomass potential and a supportive infrastructure foundation, we’re excited to take the next steps to attract sustainable biomanufacturing opportunities.”
Jordan Solomon, Chairman of the BDO Zone Initiative, stated, “Ashtabula County’s ‘BB’ rating reflects a solid foundation for miscanthus-based development, along with clear pathways for improvement. With minimal local competition and strong infrastructure, the region has notable potential to support biobased projects, especially with strategic investment and regional alignment.”
To see the full BDO Zone Rating for Ashtabula, OH, please click here, or visit www.bdozone.org.
BDO Zone project development support:
Sonia Newman
Senior Associate, Project Manager
Ashtabula Growth Partnership
sonia@ashtabulagrowth.com
440-576-9126
Aryn Garswood
Director of Business Development
BDO Zone Initiative
aryn@bdozone.org
833-311-4236
About The BDO Zone Initiative
The Biofuel Development Opportunity (BDO) Zone Initiative certifies ‘regional readiness’ for bio-manufacturing, creates global connections and ignites an influx of new energy opportunities for farmers, economic developers, and rural businesses. A BDO Zone rating is an internationally recognized, standards-based technical risk assessment of a region’s feedstock, supply chain, and infrastructure risk with respect to the development potential for new biofuel plants. BDO Zone ratings are site location bullseyes for bio-project development. Investment grade ratings are force-multipliers for attracting new manufacturing plants to the areas where they are most likely to succeed, drive investment and create jobs.
For more information on the BDO Zone Initiative, contact info@bdozone.org. To view all BDO Zone ratings, visit www.bdozone.org. Check out the BDO Zone LinkedIn page for news and updates.
Ecostrat is the North American leader in biomass due diligence for biofuels, renewable chemicals, biogas, and bio-product project development and finance. Jordan Solomon (jordan.solomon@ecostrat.com) is Chairman of the BDO Zone Initiative and President of Ecostrat (www.ecostrat.com).
Originally published at bdozone.org.