UK and US biomass projects now under construction

Xcel Energy’s proposal of converting what was once a coal-powered energy plant into Midwest’s largest 100 per cent woody biomass-driven power generator is now officially approved by the US government. Wisconsin’s Public Service Commission had given the go-signal to Xcel, eight months after its submission of the application.

The power utility will now be able to convert the last of the three boilers at Bay Front power plant and to use biomass gasification technology. For the past 30 years, the two other boilers have combusted woody biomass.

Xcel anticipates that the project will cost approximately $58.1 million, which will include handling and receiving facilities at Bay Front, boiler modifications, external gasifier and an enhanced air control system.

The primary supply of fuel for the 60MW facility would be waste from the surrounding woodlands. The biomass plant is expected to require 400,000 to 450,000 tonnes of forest waste per year.

Meanwhile, an 80MW biomass power plant in the UK is now under construction after granted approval by David Kidney, Minister of Energy and Climate Change. The renewable energy plant is considered as the country’s first energy farm to process mixed waste, including segregation of glass, metal and plastics for recycling.

The green facility will deliver zero-landfill solution, and will bring food waste digestion, gasification, mechanical recycling and plasma melting together in a single location. The plant, which will be constructed in Peterborough, is hoped to save 600,000 tones of carbon dioxide per year and to provide electricity for 60,000 homes in the country.