A wood chip gasifier is what we are looking into. In combination with a sterling engine, heat from the boiler it used to run the sterling engine. Or in the case of the gasifier you can contain the gas to run a generator. I don't have all the sources but the technology is out there. You can obtain hot water, domestic, and heat, as well as electricity while keeping your slabs under control.

Years ago I was quoted $80,000 to run grid power to my home, a wood chip system would cost this much, or more, with all the related parts, chipper, hoppers, buildings the boiler its self, etc. I am no where near getting this dream set up but we are looking into it.

I have had large chippers come out and chip trailer truck loads of slabs which were hauled to the local bio mass electrical plant. It is getting time for the unruly slab pile to go.

Here is a link to a very small example of gasification.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pyofhLYYVC8&NR=1

Tim