Wisconsin to convert dirty power plant
In Wisconsin, US, a state-funded $250 million (€178 million) project aims to convert a coal-fired power plant to one that primarily burns biomass.
The project at the University of Wisconsin-Madison faces hurdles, however, in getting off the ground greenly.
Upfront construction costs will be higher than other alternatives that were considered. No infrastructure exists to process the eclectic mix of fuels the plant would burn, and the plant's surplus electricity will be sold into a regional market already awash in excess power.
Beginning in 2013 the state plans to rely heavily on biomass, collected from local sources, to generate electricity and steam to heat and cool much of the 42,000-student campus.
Officials will spend the next few years scouring the local landscape for suitable material. Options include wood chips, pelletised paper, wood waste, agricultural crops, yard waste and old tires.
When fully operational in 2013, the new plant will produce about three times as much power as it does today. Excess electricity will be sold to MG&E.
The project at the University of Wisconsin-Madison faces hurdles, however, in getting off the ground greenly.
Upfront construction costs will be higher than other alternatives that were considered. No infrastructure exists to process the eclectic mix of fuels the plant would burn, and the plant's surplus electricity will be sold into a regional market already awash in excess power.
Beginning in 2013 the state plans to rely heavily on biomass, collected from local sources, to generate electricity and steam to heat and cool much of the 42,000-student campus.
Officials will spend the next few years scouring the local landscape for suitable material. Options include wood chips, pelletised paper, wood waste, agricultural crops, yard waste and old tires.
When fully operational in 2013, the new plant will produce about three times as much power as it does today. Excess electricity will be sold to MG&E.
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