BIOBYTES¦
Washington DNR requests proposalsfor forest biomass study
Energy Crops: White Technologies has an exclusive license for micropropagation technologies for energy crops such as Miscanthus Giganteus.
The Washington Department of Natural Resources has released a request for proposals to assess forest biomass availability and sustainability harvest thresholds on forested land throughout the state for biofuel, heat and power generation purposes. The study is required by House Bill 2165, which was
enacted into law in 2009 and allows the DNR to implement biomass energy projects using forest biomass in eastern and western Washington through the authorization of long-term supply agreements. The deadline for the request for proposals was Sept. 13. The DNR anticipates beginning the study in early November.
White Technology, partners receive biomass project grant Indiana-based White Technology LLC has been selected along with its partners at West Virginia University to receive one of six renewable energy grants awarded by the West Virginia Division of Energy. The grant will fund a project that will demonstrate the environmental and economic benefits of reclaiming former mine land properties with sustainable and viable agricultural biomass for future renewable energy production. White Technology has an exclusive license for a Miscanthus giganteus and Arundo donax (giant reed) micropropagation technology developed by University of South Carolina plant geneticists.
Helius Energy secures site for new biomass plant Biomass energy developer Helius Energy plc announced it has signed an option to lease a 20-acre site at the Port of South Hampton, U.K., for the construction of a 100-megawatt biomass power plant. The option to lease the site from Associated British Ports is subject to the securing of a Development Consent Order, which Helius intends to submit an application for in the near future, and the company will
soon enter into consultation with the local community and relevant statutory authorities. Helius anticipates that the plant will require about 700,000 metric tons (771,000 tons) of biomass per year, a significant proportion of which will come through the Port of South Hampton.
Investment Opportunity: Akeida Capital Management provided Aspen Power LLC with the funding necessary for it to complete the construction of its Texas plant.
Aspen secures funding for plant Aspen Power LLC has acquired the necessary funding to complete construction of its 57-megawatt (MW) biomass power plant in Lufkin, Texas, which began in late 2008. Akeida Capital Management LLC provided Aspen with a $14.1 million junior loan to complete the waste wood-fired plant, the first biomass plant to be built in Texas, according to Akeida. Aspen Power’s sister company, Angelina Fuels, will provide the plant with about 1,500 tons of biomass per day from timber harvesting, sawmill and municipal cleanup activities in and around Lufkin. The facility will create 50 new jobs for locals and contribute to Texas’ renewable portfolio standard of 10,000 MW by 2020 with at least 500 MW generated from nonwind resources. Aspen Power will interconnect to the Electric Reliability Council of Texas.
OCTOBER 2010 | BIOMASS POWER & THERMAL 17