Xcel Energy plans to create largest biomass-fuelled power plant in US Midwest

Oct 01, 2008 (M2 EQUITYBITES via COMTEX) -- XEL | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating -- Xcel Energy (NYSE: XEL), an electricity and natural gas company, said on 30 September that the company will submit an application to the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSCW) to install pioneering technology at the Bay Front Power Plant in Ashland, Wisconsin, to allow it to generate electricity from biomass in all three operating units. The project is expected to cost USD55m to USD70m.

The Bay Front Power Plant, when completed, is reportedly expected to be the largest biomass-fuelled power plant in the Midwest and one of the largest in the US. The company stated that two of the three operating units currently use biomass as their primary fuel to generate electricity. This project will convert the existing coal-fired unit to biomass gasification technology allowing the plant to use 100% biomass in all three boilers. The project, when complete and operational, will reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides by 50%, sulphur dioxides by more than 85% and particulate matter by 90%, as well as causing a drop in net carbon dioxide emissions. The Bay Front Power Plant has a USD20m annual economic impact on a six-county region around Ashland through its purchases of waste wood and related services.

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