A $250-million bioenergy plant planned for a 100-acre site north of Tallahassee, Fla. in Gadsden County has been approved by the county commission. Developed by Adage, a joint venture between Areva and Duke Energy Corp. The facility will produce 50 MW of electricity, enough to power 40,000 homes. The plant and its associated fuel operations will permanently employ up to 150, but the construction will require employment of 478 workers. Startup is expected in 2012. According to company officials, the plant will use regional forest products industry residual material.
The $250 million plant near Gretna, Fla., is similar to another Adage biomass plant announced in May 2009. The first plant, also a 50 MW facility, near Jasper, Fla. will produce power for the Jacksonville-area market.
WHAT TO DO NOW?