A new South Carolina biomass facility is expected to save the federal government around $1 billion over the next two decades.
The 34-acre Savannah River Site Biomass Generation Facility will convert biomass such as local forest residue, wood chips and old shredded tires, converting it into steam that will generate enough power to run 30% of the plantґs operations, according to a news release.
The $795 million facility, designed and operated by Framingham, Mass-based Ameresco Inc., began operation earlier this month. The federal government paid the company $795 million for a 20-year contract for the plant, which is the biggest renewable energy contract signed by the federal government, according to a news release.
“Developing clean, renewable sources is an important part of President Obama’s all-of-the-above approach to American energy,” Under Secretary of Energy Thomas DґAgostino said in a statement. “Projects like the SRS biomass facility are helping to deliver energy efficiency savings that benefit both taxpayers and the environment. Hundreds of people were put to work building this new facility that will save money, dramatically reduce emissions at the Savannah River Site, and help the [Department of Energy] to achieve our energy saving goals.”
Source: Waste & Recycling
By Shawn Wright