Source: biomassmagazine.com
Published: May 26, 2016
By Anna Simet
A 2-MW biomass gasification plant in North Fork, California, will break ground later this year, according to Phoenix Energy CEO Gregory Stengl.
The project is the result of a public-private partnership between North Fork Community Development Council and Phoenix Energy. The plant will utilize local forest biomass sourced from restoration and fuel reduction activities on local forest lands, including the Sierra National Forest.
The facility will utilize a GE-supplied biomass gasification system—the gasifier, gas conditioning system and engine—which GE and Phoenix Energy have collaborated on for design and implementation, and plan to replicate at future projects in the state.
Stengl told Biomass Magazine that he expects construction of the North Fork plant to begin in the last quarter of this year, with operations beginning in mid-2017.
Electricity generated from the 2-MW power plant will be sold to PG&E, Stengl said.
Through the California Energy Commission EPIC grant program, the plant received a $4.9 million grant to help cover equipment and interconnection costs, and also secured $900,000 in New Markets Tax Credit financing.