Biomass Digest

Controversy swirls over $250 million Wisconsin biomass power project

In Wisconsin, a $250 million project has been proposed to convert a coal-fired power plant at the University of Wisconsin-Madison has run into controversy because it would utilize nearly 20 percent of the state’s capital budget during the 2009-’11 budget period.

Controversy is also swirling over rising cost projections, infrastructure for transporting and storing biomass and [...]

Special Report from Pacific Biomass conference

A preview on a DARPA sponsored study of algae companies and recommendations for successful algae business development, and presentations from algal fuel pioneers Kent Bioenergy , Aurora Biofuels, Genifuel Corporation and Bioalgene were among highlights at the Pacific West Biomass Conference in Sacramento this week, BBI’s popular West Coat gathering of biomass congnoscenti.

Biofuels Digest special [...]

Energy Quest proposes 26 MW wood biomass, algae power complex in Alabama

In Alabama, Energy Quest (EQST.OB) announced that it has proposed a 26.8 MW biomass power plant in Nances Creek Industrial Park, in Piedmont, Alabama. The plant will include four 6.7 MW turnkey, modular power units, using wood waste and algae as biomass source. IIn addition, the proposed facility will have an algal biodiesel plant attached.

Iran to construct 2000 MW in renewable energy capacity, much from biomass

In Iran, the national government has indicated that it will construct up to 2,000 MW in renewable energy capacity, and said it hasd already signed contracts for up to 600 MW of biomass and wind energy solutions. The country already has 8,500 MW in hydro power and 130 MW in wind.

Petrobras to open first ethanol-fueled power plant in Brazil

In Brazil, Petrobras announced that it opened the country’s first ethanol-powered power generation unit. The 45 MW turbine system came online at the Juiz de Fora power plant, utilizing ethanol made from sugarcane.

Areva wins $362 million in biomass power contracts

In France, Areva announced that it has won three contracts $362 million, for construction of 14 biomass power plants in Thailand and Brazil. Contracts include: 11 turnkey wood-fired biomass plants for Brazil’s Bertin, utilizing eucalyptus and generating 380 MW; an upgrade of Seresta sugar mill power plant in Alagoas to 50 MW; and two turnkey [...]

Portland General Electric considering biomass to replace coal at Oregon power plant

In Oregon, Portland General Electric Co. has indicated an interest in torrefaction-based biomass as a replacement for coal-fired power at its Boardman power plant, which it may shut down by 2020. Another option: construction of a combined-cycle natural gas plant adjacent to the Boardman plant, at Carty Reservoir. Another alternative, spending of $520-$560 million on [...]

Washington State considers biomass relief with Forest Biomass bill

In Washington state, the Forest Biomass Supply Agreements Bill was introduced this week in the state legislature, after a request by the state Commissioner of Public Lands. The bill is designed to relieve stress on the state biomass industry by encouraging investment.

The bill allows the state Department of Natural Resources to sign long-term biomass feedstock [...]

The Last Word on Biomass: “What was overlooked was that some ”waste” — like sawdust — was actually being sold.”

Charleston (W.Va.) Daily Mail, on misguided congressional economics: “Congressmen should act like physicians when they tend the national economy — and first do no harm. But over and over again, legislative prescriptions imposed by policymakers in Washington have poisoned the economy. Take the Biomass Crop Assistance Program, a half-billion-dollar subsidy program included in the 2008 [...]

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