We Energies and Domtar have announced a partnership that plans to build a $250 million biomass power generation plant at Domtar’s Rothschild, Wis. paper mill site. Wood, waste wood and sawdust will be used to produce 50 megawatts of electricity and will also support Domtar’s sustainable papermaking operations. The project will be funded by We Energies.
Under Wisconsin law, utilities statewide must use renewable energy to meet 10% of the electricity needs of retail customers by the year 2015. Studies indicate that area forests within a 75-mile radius of the Rothschild facility can support the proposed power plant.
According to Domtar, the average Domtar pulp and paper facility draws approximately 84% of its thermal energy (energy required to make steam) from renewable fuels such as biomass and spent cooking liquor. Since 2002, Domtar has increased its use of renewable energy by 12.5% and decreased its use of non-renewable energy by 22%. The proposed construction of this steam plant will help improve the Domtar Rothschild mill’s energy efficiency by providing access to more renewable energy sources and virtually eliminating its use of fossil fuels.
Formal application for the project will be submitted in early 2010, with plans to have the plant completed by 2013.
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