A new biomass electricity plant is being proposed for central Oregon, and an older, existing biomass electricity generating plant in eastern Oregon may soon gain new life in two recent developments in this forest-rich state.
Biogreen Sustainable Energy Co. is looking to build a new 20 MW plant in La Pine in central Oregon, and has proposed a $60 million facility. Company officials are seeking federal and state tax credits and grants to cover roughly half the cost, with private investors providing the remainder. Several financing options are being considered.
One principal investor is Larry Olson, owner of H & H Wood Recyclers Inc. in Vancouver, Wash., who’s looking for a consistent customer for biomass material he can’t currently sell. Plans are to have the new facility up and running within three years after air quality permits are acquired in early 2010.
In other Oregon biomass news, the Port of Morrow in eastern Oregon along the Columbia River signed a letter of intent to sell an older, idled biomass electricity plant in Heppner for $4 million to T2 of Sweet Home, Ore., a company that produces hog fuel. The facility produces 10MW and employs 12-15 people when operating. The plant last operated in 2003, adjacent a sawmill that closed in the mid 1990s.
The deal for the plant states that T2 must make power marketing arrangements, comply with state Dept. of Environmental Quality air and water quality divisions and meet Oregon Dept. of Energy requirements.
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