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DNR Secretary Frank Statement on approval of Northern States Power Company’s biomass gasifier, the nation’s largest
News Release Published: November 2, 2009 by the Central Office
Contact(s): Laurel Steffes, (608) 266-8109
MADISON – On Friday, the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) approved Northern States Power Company-Wisconsin’s (NSPW) proposal to install the nation’s largest biomass gasifier, a system that will produce synthetic gas from biomass for the production of electricity at the company’s Bay Front Power Plan in Ashland, Wisconsin. The PSC’s decision will allow NSPW to convert one of the plant’s coal burning boilers to one that generates electricity from burning a variety of wood types found in Wisconsin. The new biomass gasifier will be able to produce 20 megawatts of electricity from biomass fuel sources, while producing an additional 8 megawatts through the use of natural gas.
Statement from Department of Natural Resources Secretary Matthew Frank:
“Gov. Jim Doyle has set of goal of having 25 percent of electricity and transportation energy come from renewable fuels by 2025. We congratulate X-Cel/Northern States Power for their innovation and commitment to energy diversity and independence by completely converting to biomass.
“Wisconsin is a land rich in biomass resources, including our forests. Refitting power plants to use home-grown biomass is a win-win. Because of the importance of the forest industry to the local economy and our economic future, we are working to assure our forest lands continue to supply wood for paper production, solid wood manufacturing, and renewable energy demands.
“Our forests provide habitat for wildlife, recreation for our people, and reduce our carbon footprint. Moving to renewable energy sources like bio-mass is in Wisconsin's best interest.”
