We've done some biomass coverage this year, and more is on the way in December. One of the things about biomass is that it's not right for every locale; usually, proximity to a suitable fuel source is required. Now, according to Helena Merriman at BBC News, one spot in central Sweden has turned to a most unusual and somewhat controversial fuel source: bunnies. (Click the link at bottom and read the whole article.)

In a nutshell: Stockholm has a rabbit problem, as the result of too many pet rabbits released (or escaped) into the wild and subsequently breeding, well, like rabbits. The overflow of this non-native species has posed various problems to a number of the city's green spaces. So, The local government had resorted to a sanctioned annual thinning of the population with the help of hunters, reportedly reducing the bunny count by thousands (yes, thousands).

Finally, someone figured out a process (with the help of EU biofuel research funding) wherein the rabbits could be frozen and then used as fuel at a nearby plant for residential heating. It's a win/win, right?

Well, not according to a local journalist, who provides my favorite quote in the piece:

"'In the town where they are burning them the reaction of the residents is quite relaxed,' Mr Savage told the BBC World Service. 'But in Stockholm there's the big city attitude of the rabbits being cute.'"

I think some communities in America would have a problem with it, too. But it has to get pretty chilly in Sweden, and from the sound of things, the rabbits' destiny is already fait accompli thanks to irresponsible pet owners. So, how would you feel about turning bunnies into BTUs?