Renova Delays New Biomass Plant Startup

Japan renewable power producer Renova Inc. recently announced it is postponing the launch of commercial operation of the 74.8-MW Tokushima-Tsuda biomass-fired power plant to some time in May 2023. Initially scheduled for a March 2023 startup, the plant is undergoing machine inspections, according to Renova.

Located in Tokushima prefecture on Japan’s Shikoku island, the plant is utilizing wood pellets and palm kernel shells as fuel sources. The facility has a 20-year feed-in tariff (FiT) to sell its output, Renova officials said, and is expected to generate 500 million kWh of power annually, enough to meet the needs of about 150,000 households. The two largest shareholders of the project are Renova and Osaka Gas with 36% and 33% stakes, respectively, and nine other investors holding the remaining 30%.