From an article by Jake Miller in the Wausau Daily Herald:
ROTHSCHILD -- A $255 million biomass power plant under construction in Rothschild already has put more than 75 people to work full time, providing them with family-sustaining wages, officials said.
The workers -- mostly general laborers, iron workers and carpenters -- have spent recent months pouring concrete and erecting the 11-story steel frame for a building that ultimately will house the plant's boiler, said Randy DeMeuse, vice president of operations for The Boldt Co., the Appleton-based firm overseeing construction.
The plant, a We Energies and Domtar Corp. project, remains on schedule after crews began to build the facility this summer, We Energies spokesman Brian Manthey said. The plant at Domtar's Rothschild paper mill will generate steam for the papermaker and electricity for We Energies and is expected to be complete by late summer of 2013.
The state Public Service Commission approved the project this past summer after neighbors of the site waged a fierce battle to block its construction. Opponents cited pollution and visual concerns, while supporters argued the much-needed jobs outweighed those issues.
The number of people working on-site during construction is expected to climb to 250 by summer. If the project hits any delays, that number could grow to 400 because project managers would need to add a second shift of workers, DeMeuse said.
The number of people working on-site during construction is expected to climb to 250 by summer. If the project hits any delays, that number could grow to 400 because project managers would need to add a second shift of workers, DeMeuse said.
"That's just staff on site; it doesn't include truck drivers at all," he said. "Chances are we may peak out higher than (250)."
Showing posts with label Wood. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Wood. Show all posts
Biomass plant construction going full steam ahead
Labels:
`Central Wisconsin,
Biomass,
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Wood
Judge tosses suit challenging We Energies biomass project
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From an article by Tom Content in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:
A Marathon County judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed this summer by opponents of the We Energies biomass power plant near Wausau.
The local group Save Our Air Resources and the Massachusetts-based Biomass Accountability Project had sued the state Department of Natural Resources challenging its approval of the project, which would burn wood waste and wood residues left over from logging operations.
The plant was proposed by We Energies along with the paper company Domtar, which will host the project at its Rothschild paper mill.
The $255 million project is needed to help We Energies comply with the state’s renewable energy target.
In a ruling Thursday, Marathon County Judge Michael Moran ruled in favor of the DNR that the lawsuit was filed late and by a lawyer
“It was filed late and it was filed by an out-of-state attorney,” Moran said, according to an audio recording posted online by the Wausau radio station WSAU.
A Marathon County judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed this summer by opponents of the We Energies biomass power plant near Wausau.
The local group Save Our Air Resources and the Massachusetts-based Biomass Accountability Project had sued the state Department of Natural Resources challenging its approval of the project, which would burn wood waste and wood residues left over from logging operations.
The plant was proposed by We Energies along with the paper company Domtar, which will host the project at its Rothschild paper mill.
The $255 million project is needed to help We Energies comply with the state’s renewable energy target.
In a ruling Thursday, Marathon County Judge Michael Moran ruled in favor of the DNR that the lawsuit was filed late and by a lawyer
“It was filed late and it was filed by an out-of-state attorney,” Moran said, according to an audio recording posted online by the Wausau radio station WSAU.
Rothschild biomass plant construction to begin
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`Central Wisconsin,
Biomass,
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From an article by Kathleen Foody in the Stevens Point Journal:
ROTHSCHILD -- Village residents and commuters on Business Highway 51 can expect traffic snarls as about 150 trucks hauling construction materials pour in and out of the Domtar paper mill today.
Rothschild Police Chief Dean Albrecht said Boldt Construction, the Appleton firm overseeing construction of a $255 million biomass power plant on Domtar's site, asked his department to help control traffic during today's work.
Officers will be at the intersection of Business Highway 51 and Weston Avenue from 5 a.m. until about 2 p.m. to help out, Albrecht said.
"We think traffic will go pretty smoothly; maybe some congestion during rush hour between 6 and 8 (a.m.)," he said.
We Energies spokesman Brian Manthey said crews will spend today pouring the foundation for the large boiler that will burn material at the plant, requiring the procession of trucks carrying materials.
Manthey said the traffic will be spaced out, with two or three trucks carrying material from County Materials plant locations in Wausau, Weston and Merrill entering or exiting the construction site at a time.
Once complete, the plant will burn about 500,000 tons of the tops and limbs of trees to generate energy for sale by We Energies and steam for Domtar's paper-making process at the existing Rothschild mill. The plant is intended to help We Energies comply with state regulations requiring at least 8 percent of utilities' sales to come from renewable energy sources by 2015.
To qualify for federal tax credits, the facility must be operational by the end of 2013.
ROTHSCHILD -- Village residents and commuters on Business Highway 51 can expect traffic snarls as about 150 trucks hauling construction materials pour in and out of the Domtar paper mill today.
Rothschild Police Chief Dean Albrecht said Boldt Construction, the Appleton firm overseeing construction of a $255 million biomass power plant on Domtar's site, asked his department to help control traffic during today's work.
Officers will be at the intersection of Business Highway 51 and Weston Avenue from 5 a.m. until about 2 p.m. to help out, Albrecht said.
"We think traffic will go pretty smoothly; maybe some congestion during rush hour between 6 and 8 (a.m.)," he said.
We Energies spokesman Brian Manthey said crews will spend today pouring the foundation for the large boiler that will burn material at the plant, requiring the procession of trucks carrying materials.
Manthey said the traffic will be spaced out, with two or three trucks carrying material from County Materials plant locations in Wausau, Weston and Merrill entering or exiting the construction site at a time.
Once complete, the plant will burn about 500,000 tons of the tops and limbs of trees to generate energy for sale by We Energies and steam for Domtar's paper-making process at the existing Rothschild mill. The plant is intended to help We Energies comply with state regulations requiring at least 8 percent of utilities' sales to come from renewable energy sources by 2015.
To qualify for federal tax credits, the facility must be operational by the end of 2013.
Tomahawk resort recognized for clean energy
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Biomass,
Wood
From an article in the Ashland Current:
The Lakewoods Resort is receiving a clean energy award from the Wisconsin Department of Tourism.
Secretary of Tourism Stephanie Klett announced the $163,650 award on Wednesday. The award stems from the resort installing a bioenergy heating project, where the resort will use locally-produced wood pellets and wood chips from nearby forests to fuel its heating system. The resort is retiring an old propane boiler system and upgrading to a commercial-scale pellet boiler, which will be completed by December 2012.
According to the Department of Tourism, the project is expected to save the resort about $72,000 in fossil fuel costs in its first year of use.
"I am pleased that one of our most prominent resorts located in the Chequamegon National Forest will be investing in a local renewable energy source," Klett said. "The project will protect the natural beauty of northern Wisconsin, provide local jobs, and invest in Wisconsin's renewable resources."
The use of wood biomass can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of a commercial facility, the department reports.
The Lakewoods Resort is receiving a clean energy award from the Wisconsin Department of Tourism.
Secretary of Tourism Stephanie Klett announced the $163,650 award on Wednesday. The award stems from the resort installing a bioenergy heating project, where the resort will use locally-produced wood pellets and wood chips from nearby forests to fuel its heating system. The resort is retiring an old propane boiler system and upgrading to a commercial-scale pellet boiler, which will be completed by December 2012.
According to the Department of Tourism, the project is expected to save the resort about $72,000 in fossil fuel costs in its first year of use.
"I am pleased that one of our most prominent resorts located in the Chequamegon National Forest will be investing in a local renewable energy source," Klett said. "The project will protect the natural beauty of northern Wisconsin, provide local jobs, and invest in Wisconsin's renewable resources."
The use of wood biomass can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of a commercial facility, the department reports.
Rothschild biomass project under way, Domtar announces
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From an article by Kathleen Foody in Central Wisconsin Business:
ROTHSCHILD -- The long public debate over a proposed biomass power plant in Rothschild came to an end Monday [June 20] when Domtar announced plans to move forward with the $255 million project.
The 50-megawatt power plant, a joint effort of Milwaukee utility We Energies and Domtar paper, is expected to burn 500,000 tons of the tops and limbs of trees left behind by traditional logging operations each year.
"(The final decision) puts ... everything behind us," Rothschild Village Board President George Peterson said. "We can move forward, We Energies and Domtar can move forward."
We Energies spokesman Brian Manthey said crews will begin working this week at the site adjacent to the existing Domtar mill on Business Highway 51 in Rothschild.
Manthey said We Energies still hopes to have the plant completed by the end of 2013, the eligibility deadline for federal tax credits. The facility also is part of We Energies' plan to comply with state regulations requiring at least 8 percent of utilities' sales to come from renewable energy by 2015.
ROTHSCHILD -- The long public debate over a proposed biomass power plant in Rothschild came to an end Monday [June 20] when Domtar announced plans to move forward with the $255 million project.
The 50-megawatt power plant, a joint effort of Milwaukee utility We Energies and Domtar paper, is expected to burn 500,000 tons of the tops and limbs of trees left behind by traditional logging operations each year.
"(The final decision) puts ... everything behind us," Rothschild Village Board President George Peterson said. "We can move forward, We Energies and Domtar can move forward."
We Energies spokesman Brian Manthey said crews will begin working this week at the site adjacent to the existing Domtar mill on Business Highway 51 in Rothschild.
Manthey said We Energies still hopes to have the plant completed by the end of 2013, the eligibility deadline for federal tax credits. The facility also is part of We Energies' plan to comply with state regulations requiring at least 8 percent of utilities' sales to come from renewable energy by 2015.
Domtar announces that Rothschild biomass project is under way
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`Central Wisconsin,
Biomass,
Renewable energy,
Wood
From an article by Kathleen Foody in the Wausau Daily Herald:
ROTHSCHILD -- The long public debate over a proposed biomass power plant in Rothschild came to an end Monday when Domtar announced plans to move forward with the $255 million project.
The 50-megawatt power plant, a joint effort of Milwaukee utility We Energies and Domtar paper, is expected to burn 500,000 tons of the tops and limbs of trees left behind by traditional logging operations each year.
"(The final decision) puts ... everything behind us," Rothschild Village Board President George Peterson said. "We can move forward, We Energies and Domtar can move forward."
We Energies spokesman Brian Manthey said crews will begin working this week at the site adjacent to the existing Domtar mill on Business Highway 51 in Rothschild.
Manthey said We Energies still hopes to have the plant completed by the end of 2013, the eligibility deadline for federal tax credits. The facility also is part of We Energies' plan to comply with state regulations requiring at least 8 percent of utilities' sales to come from renewable energy by 2015.
ROTHSCHILD -- The long public debate over a proposed biomass power plant in Rothschild came to an end Monday when Domtar announced plans to move forward with the $255 million project.
The 50-megawatt power plant, a joint effort of Milwaukee utility We Energies and Domtar paper, is expected to burn 500,000 tons of the tops and limbs of trees left behind by traditional logging operations each year.
"(The final decision) puts ... everything behind us," Rothschild Village Board President George Peterson said. "We can move forward, We Energies and Domtar can move forward."
We Energies spokesman Brian Manthey said crews will begin working this week at the site adjacent to the existing Domtar mill on Business Highway 51 in Rothschild.
Manthey said We Energies still hopes to have the plant completed by the end of 2013, the eligibility deadline for federal tax credits. The facility also is part of We Energies' plan to comply with state regulations requiring at least 8 percent of utilities' sales to come from renewable energy by 2015.
We Energies moves forward on biomass plant
From an article in the Stevens Point Journal:
ROTHSCHILD -- We Energies said Monday it will move forward with the engineering and equipment orders for a planned biomass plant in Rothschild, a company spokesman said.
The decision came several days after state regulators from the Public Service Commission gave final approval to the $255 million project with orders that Milwaukee-based utility We Energies and Domtar Corp. come up with another $10 million either from the utility's shareholders or the paper company.
More from Tom Content in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
ROTHSCHILD -- We Energies said Monday it will move forward with the engineering and equipment orders for a planned biomass plant in Rothschild, a company spokesman said.
The decision came several days after state regulators from the Public Service Commission gave final approval to the $255 million project with orders that Milwaukee-based utility We Energies and Domtar Corp. come up with another $10 million either from the utility's shareholders or the paper company.
More from Tom Content in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
State regulators lend support to biomass project
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From an article in the Stevens Point Journal:
ROTHSCHILD -- State regulators indicated support of construction plans for a biomass plant in Rothschild on Friday, a major step in a lengthy and often contentious debate over a $255 million project backed by Milwaukee utility We Energies and Domtar Paper.
Two members of the state's Public Service Commission pushed for and received more concessions from the project's sponsors, concerned that the utility's ratepayers still are taking the biggest risk. We Energies and Domtar either can contribute $10 million more toward operating costs or increase the rate Domtar will pay for steam produced by the plant.
The PSC also will have the authority to review future changes to the rate Domtar pays We Energies for steam, which is used in its paper-making process.
The plant is part of We Energies' effort to meet the state's renewable energy requirements for utilities by 2015, buoyed by federal tax credits available to facilities that are operational by the end of 2013. We Energies has promised the project will create about 400 construction jobs and 150 jobs in Central Wisconsin for industries supporting the plant, and Domtar argues the change will allow them to compete in an increasingly testy paper industry.
ROTHSCHILD -- State regulators indicated support of construction plans for a biomass plant in Rothschild on Friday, a major step in a lengthy and often contentious debate over a $255 million project backed by Milwaukee utility We Energies and Domtar Paper.
Two members of the state's Public Service Commission pushed for and received more concessions from the project's sponsors, concerned that the utility's ratepayers still are taking the biggest risk. We Energies and Domtar either can contribute $10 million more toward operating costs or increase the rate Domtar will pay for steam produced by the plant.
The PSC also will have the authority to review future changes to the rate Domtar pays We Energies for steam, which is used in its paper-making process.
The plant is part of We Energies' effort to meet the state's renewable energy requirements for utilities by 2015, buoyed by federal tax credits available to facilities that are operational by the end of 2013. We Energies has promised the project will create about 400 construction jobs and 150 jobs in Central Wisconsin for industries supporting the plant, and Domtar argues the change will allow them to compete in an increasingly testy paper industry.
Biomass critics say We Energies project still costs too much
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`Central Wisconsin,
Biomass,
Wood
From an article by Tom Content in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:
A proposed We Energies power plant at the Domtar Corp. paper mill in Rothschild is still too expensive for the utility's customers and should be rejected, critics of the plant said Thursday.
Groups that have raised questions or opposed the plant made filings with the state Public Service Commission Thursday, a day before regulators are scheduled to discuss the power company's bid to build a $255 million power plant that would burn wood.
The filings came two days after We Energies and Domtar revised the financial terms of the deal to raise Domtar Corp.'s financial stake in the project.
State regulators last week raised concerns about the project's price tag, but gave the utility a chance to revise the financial terms of the deal this week.
The changes announced by Domtar and We Energies weren't sufficient to address the concerns raised by the PSC, said the Citizens' Utility Board, a consumer advocacy group.
"It is unacceptable for (We Energies) ratepayers to bear the brunt of the costs and all of the risks for an uneconomical and unnecessary project for which they receive little to no benefits," wrote Kira Loehr, CUB's lawyer, in the filing.
A proposed We Energies power plant at the Domtar Corp. paper mill in Rothschild is still too expensive for the utility's customers and should be rejected, critics of the plant said Thursday.
Groups that have raised questions or opposed the plant made filings with the state Public Service Commission Thursday, a day before regulators are scheduled to discuss the power company's bid to build a $255 million power plant that would burn wood.
The filings came two days after We Energies and Domtar revised the financial terms of the deal to raise Domtar Corp.'s financial stake in the project.
State regulators last week raised concerns about the project's price tag, but gave the utility a chance to revise the financial terms of the deal this week.
The changes announced by Domtar and We Energies weren't sufficient to address the concerns raised by the PSC, said the Citizens' Utility Board, a consumer advocacy group.
"It is unacceptable for (We Energies) ratepayers to bear the brunt of the costs and all of the risks for an uneconomical and unnecessary project for which they receive little to no benefits," wrote Kira Loehr, CUB's lawyer, in the filing.
Biomass plan revised after regulators object to cost
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From an article by Tom Content in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:
Domtar Corp. agreed to boost its financial stake in a proposed biomass power plant, as We Energies and the paper company revised the terms of their deal Tuesday to satisfy regulators' concerns.
The three-member state Public Service Commission last week raised objections about the cost of the $255 million biomass power plant that We Energies is seeking to build at the Domtar paper mill in Rothschild, just south of Wausau. The plant would burn wood chips and other forms of biomass to produce electricity for the energy grid and steam for the adjacent paper mill.
The PSC, however, said the plant's price tag was too expensive and was structured in such a way that too much of the cost would be borne by customers of the Milwaukee-based utility. Commissioners directed Domtar and We Energies to revise their proposal.
The filing by the companies Tuesday will be reviewed by the plant's critics, including the Wisconsin Citizens' Utility Board. The groups raising concerns about the project have until Thursday to respond to the revised financing plan.
Domtar on Tuesday said it would boost its contribution by $22 million, to $47 million, a move that increases the price of the steam Domtar would buy for the paper mill and reduce the cost for We Energies customers.
Both companies stressed the economic development opportunity from the project, linked to construction and paper mill jobs.
Domtar Corp. agreed to boost its financial stake in a proposed biomass power plant, as We Energies and the paper company revised the terms of their deal Tuesday to satisfy regulators' concerns.
The three-member state Public Service Commission last week raised objections about the cost of the $255 million biomass power plant that We Energies is seeking to build at the Domtar paper mill in Rothschild, just south of Wausau. The plant would burn wood chips and other forms of biomass to produce electricity for the energy grid and steam for the adjacent paper mill.
The PSC, however, said the plant's price tag was too expensive and was structured in such a way that too much of the cost would be borne by customers of the Milwaukee-based utility. Commissioners directed Domtar and We Energies to revise their proposal.
The filing by the companies Tuesday will be reviewed by the plant's critics, including the Wisconsin Citizens' Utility Board. The groups raising concerns about the project have until Thursday to respond to the revised financing plan.
Domtar on Tuesday said it would boost its contribution by $22 million, to $47 million, a move that increases the price of the steam Domtar would buy for the paper mill and reduce the cost for We Energies customers.
Both companies stressed the economic development opportunity from the project, linked to construction and paper mill jobs.
PSC says proposed biomass plant too costly for consumers
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`Central Wisconsin,
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From an article by Brian E. Clark on WisBusiness.com:
Citing what they described as high costs, members of the three-person Public Service Commission said We Energies and the Domtar Corp. paper company will have to bear more costs for a proposed biomass plant in Rothschild that would produce both electricity and steam.
The $250 million plant will use waste wood and sawdust to produce 50 megawatts of electricity, as well as steam for Domtar’s papermaking operations.
Phil Montgomery, the new PSC chairman, said at Thursday's PSC meeting that the state currently has adequate power supply reserves, but that We Energies needs to build the plant to meet state mandates that 10 percent of its power be produced from renewable resources by 2015.
Montgomery, a former legislator who chaired the Assembly Committee on Energy and Utilities, said he continues to support the renewable standard.
“But I don’t think anyone in the Legislature thought we would be experiencing this economic downturn we’re in now,” he added, noting that he hopes We Energies and Domtar can reduce costs to electricity ratepayers.
Commissioner Eric Callisto said he has trouble with the overall economics of the plan and how it has been structured between We Energies and Domtar.
Callisto said he is concerned with everything from the financing and operating costs to the rates that consumers will have to pay for the power generated by the plant. . . .
Commissioner Lauren Azar said she believes biomass may become Wisconsin’s best energy resource, but she said the Rothschild plant construction cost is approaching $5,800 per kilowatt hour, which she called “unacceptably high” and almost on par with the price tag for building a nuclear power facility.
Wind turbine construction costs are about half that figure, she said. But recent actions by the Legislature and governor over wind farm-siting rules have caused at least two companies to abandon projects because of regulatory uncertainty, she said.
Citing what they described as high costs, members of the three-person Public Service Commission said We Energies and the Domtar Corp. paper company will have to bear more costs for a proposed biomass plant in Rothschild that would produce both electricity and steam.
The $250 million plant will use waste wood and sawdust to produce 50 megawatts of electricity, as well as steam for Domtar’s papermaking operations.
Phil Montgomery, the new PSC chairman, said at Thursday's PSC meeting that the state currently has adequate power supply reserves, but that We Energies needs to build the plant to meet state mandates that 10 percent of its power be produced from renewable resources by 2015.
Montgomery, a former legislator who chaired the Assembly Committee on Energy and Utilities, said he continues to support the renewable standard.
“But I don’t think anyone in the Legislature thought we would be experiencing this economic downturn we’re in now,” he added, noting that he hopes We Energies and Domtar can reduce costs to electricity ratepayers.
Commissioner Eric Callisto said he has trouble with the overall economics of the plan and how it has been structured between We Energies and Domtar.
Callisto said he is concerned with everything from the financing and operating costs to the rates that consumers will have to pay for the power generated by the plant. . . .
Commissioner Lauren Azar said she believes biomass may become Wisconsin’s best energy resource, but she said the Rothschild plant construction cost is approaching $5,800 per kilowatt hour, which she called “unacceptably high” and almost on par with the price tag for building a nuclear power facility.
Wind turbine construction costs are about half that figure, she said. But recent actions by the Legislature and governor over wind farm-siting rules have caused at least two companies to abandon projects because of regulatory uncertainty, she said.
PSC ruling is last hurdle Rothschild biomass plant must face
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`Central Wisconsin,
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From an article by Kathleen Footy in the Wausau Daily Herald:
ROTHSCHILD -- The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources' approval Monday of a proposed biomass energy plant leaves just one obstacle in the way of the $250 million project.
The state's Public Service Commission, including new Chairman Phil Montgomery, is a three-member panel charged with regulating the state's utilities and vetting new construction projects. The PSC will rule on whether the power plant -- a joint project of Milwaukee utility We Energies and Domtar Paper -- would serve customers and residents well.
PSC regulators can schedule a meeting on the proposal at any time. The commissioners typically discuss cases at an open meeting in Madison, then finalize an order to be voted on at their next meeting.
Opponents of the Rothschild project, who feel out of options since comments to the PSC are closed, plan to push for the DNR to create a safeguard against emissions from the plant.
Rob Hughes, a member of the citizens group Saving Our Air Resources, or SOAR, said he was disappointed by the DNR's decision. Hughes said the DNR should move its air-quality monitoring station in Marathon County from Lake DuBay to Rothschild to guarantee residents' safety.
"It shouldn't be a big deal since they say the air will be safe," Hughes said. "That would reassure the community that 'Yes, the air is safe.' I think that's the best we can hope for."
ROTHSCHILD -- The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources' approval Monday of a proposed biomass energy plant leaves just one obstacle in the way of the $250 million project.
The state's Public Service Commission, including new Chairman Phil Montgomery, is a three-member panel charged with regulating the state's utilities and vetting new construction projects. The PSC will rule on whether the power plant -- a joint project of Milwaukee utility We Energies and Domtar Paper -- would serve customers and residents well.
PSC regulators can schedule a meeting on the proposal at any time. The commissioners typically discuss cases at an open meeting in Madison, then finalize an order to be voted on at their next meeting.
Opponents of the Rothschild project, who feel out of options since comments to the PSC are closed, plan to push for the DNR to create a safeguard against emissions from the plant.
Rob Hughes, a member of the citizens group Saving Our Air Resources, or SOAR, said he was disappointed by the DNR's decision. Hughes said the DNR should move its air-quality monitoring station in Marathon County from Lake DuBay to Rothschild to guarantee residents' safety.
"It shouldn't be a big deal since they say the air will be safe," Hughes said. "That would reassure the community that 'Yes, the air is safe.' I think that's the best we can hope for."
Focus offers competitive grants to businesses for large renewable energy projects
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Biomass,
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Solar,
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From a news release issued by Focus on Energy:
Completed proposals due April 30, 2011
MADISON, Wis. (March 11, 2011) – Today, Focus on Energy, Wisconsin utilities’ statewide program for energy efficiency and renewable energy, announced that businesses can compete for incentives for large renewable energy systems. The Large Renewable Energy System Competitive Incentives allow Wisconsin businesses and organizations to apply for funds to help implement large renewable energy systems.
Businesses can receive an incentive of up to 30 percent of the project costs to complete a renewable energy project that is well-researched, documented, and justified. Eligible, large-scale renewable energy systems may include: solar electric, solar hot-water, wind electric, biomass energy, and anaerobic digestion (biogas).
“Renewable energy technology offers businesses deeper energy cost savings after energy efficiency measures are implemented.” said Ken Williams, Focus on Energy’s business programs director. “Focus’ large renewable energy competitive incentives help businesses defray some of the upfront investment cost of a renewable energy system, resulting in a quicker payback."
Any type of business, school, government entity, agribusiness, and apartments/condo facilities can apply for a Focus competitive incentive. The application and details are available online at focusonenergy.com/competitive_incentives. Applications are due by April 30, 2011.
Completed proposals due April 30, 2011
MADISON, Wis. (March 11, 2011) – Today, Focus on Energy, Wisconsin utilities’ statewide program for energy efficiency and renewable energy, announced that businesses can compete for incentives for large renewable energy systems. The Large Renewable Energy System Competitive Incentives allow Wisconsin businesses and organizations to apply for funds to help implement large renewable energy systems.
Businesses can receive an incentive of up to 30 percent of the project costs to complete a renewable energy project that is well-researched, documented, and justified. Eligible, large-scale renewable energy systems may include: solar electric, solar hot-water, wind electric, biomass energy, and anaerobic digestion (biogas).
“Renewable energy technology offers businesses deeper energy cost savings after energy efficiency measures are implemented.” said Ken Williams, Focus on Energy’s business programs director. “Focus’ large renewable energy competitive incentives help businesses defray some of the upfront investment cost of a renewable energy system, resulting in a quicker payback."
Any type of business, school, government entity, agribusiness, and apartments/condo facilities can apply for a Focus competitive incentive. The application and details are available online at focusonenergy.com/competitive_incentives. Applications are due by April 30, 2011.
Final Rothschild biomass power-plant meeting set
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Biomass,
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From an article in the Stevens Point Journal:
ROTHSCHILD -- Wausau-area residents will have their final opportunity Tuesday to weigh in on a controversial biomass power plant proposed in Rothschild.
The project, a joint partnership of Milwaukee-based utility We Energies and Domtar Paper, has generated strong opinions from supporters and opponents alike since it was announced in September 2009. Public hearings on the project held by local entities and state regulators have drawn crowds in the hundreds, and on Tuesday, those hearings will draw to a close.
Both the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and the Public Service Commission must approve permits for the project before construction can begin.
The utility initially pushed for confirmation of the project by both agencies before the end of 2010. We Energies spokesman Brian Manthey said construction still can be completed before 2013, making the plant eligible for a federal tax credit.
The members of the PSC could rule on the project at any time. DNR regulators gave preliminary approval for an air permit earlier this month, a key step for We Energies.
The approval process has been incremental, first at the local level with height variances from the village of Rothschild and the city of Wausau. The PSC also gave preliminary approval for the project and rejected requests for a comprehensive study of its potential environmental effects by opponents and environmental groups.
The plant, located next to the Domtar Mill on Old Highway 51 in Rothschild, would burn woody biomass from tree tops and other collected wood, supplying Domtar with steam for its paper-making process and We Energies with energy to sell.
ROTHSCHILD -- Wausau-area residents will have their final opportunity Tuesday to weigh in on a controversial biomass power plant proposed in Rothschild.
The project, a joint partnership of Milwaukee-based utility We Energies and Domtar Paper, has generated strong opinions from supporters and opponents alike since it was announced in September 2009. Public hearings on the project held by local entities and state regulators have drawn crowds in the hundreds, and on Tuesday, those hearings will draw to a close.
Both the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and the Public Service Commission must approve permits for the project before construction can begin.
The utility initially pushed for confirmation of the project by both agencies before the end of 2010. We Energies spokesman Brian Manthey said construction still can be completed before 2013, making the plant eligible for a federal tax credit.
The members of the PSC could rule on the project at any time. DNR regulators gave preliminary approval for an air permit earlier this month, a key step for We Energies.
The approval process has been incremental, first at the local level with height variances from the village of Rothschild and the city of Wausau. The PSC also gave preliminary approval for the project and rejected requests for a comprehensive study of its potential environmental effects by opponents and environmental groups.
The plant, located next to the Domtar Mill on Old Highway 51 in Rothschild, would burn woody biomass from tree tops and other collected wood, supplying Domtar with steam for its paper-making process and We Energies with energy to sell.
Rothchild biomass power plant gets draft air permits
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From an article by Lisa Gibson in Biomass magazine:
We Energies has received draft air permits for both the construction and operation of its 50-megawatt cogeneration plant to be co-located at a Domtar Paper mill in Rothschild, Wis.
Following the issuance of the draft permits from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is a 30-day public comment period and hearing, according Brian Manthey, We Energies media relations representative. The public hearing is scheduled for March 1, after which time, the WDNR will make the final decision on the permits. “It should be noted that all of our local permits and variances have passed governmental bodies unanimously,” Manthey said. “We have been pleased by the strong support in the community and we would expect that to continue at the hearing.”
We Energies has received draft air permits for both the construction and operation of its 50-megawatt cogeneration plant to be co-located at a Domtar Paper mill in Rothschild, Wis.
Following the issuance of the draft permits from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is a 30-day public comment period and hearing, according Brian Manthey, We Energies media relations representative. The public hearing is scheduled for March 1, after which time, the WDNR will make the final decision on the permits. “It should be noted that all of our local permits and variances have passed governmental bodies unanimously,” Manthey said. “We have been pleased by the strong support in the community and we would expect that to continue at the hearing.”
Most at hearing support biomass; those opposed to facility continue to voice opinions, too
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From an article by Jake Miller in the Wausau Daily Herald:
ROTHSCHILD -- Union leaders, village officials and small business owners were among the overwhelming majority who spoke Tuesday in favor of a proposed -- and highly debated -- biomass plant.
Only four of the 43 speakers opposed the plant during the first of two public hearings held by the Wisconsin Public Service Commission, which will assess the comments when deciding whether it will approve the project in mid-January, said Administrative Law Judge Michael Newmark.
We Energies and Domtar first proposed the plant, which will burn a woody biomass as fuel, in September 2009. It has been at the center of public debate for nearly as long.
At the afternoon hearing attended by about 200 people -- another hearing was held Tuesday evening -- supporters continued to argue that the biomass plant is critical to keep Domtar competitive and that it will create both temporary and permanent jobs.
Opponents stood strong, saying the plant, which is expected to burn 500,000 tons of biomass each year, will adversely affect air quality despite We Energies data that say emissions would be cut by 30 percent.
Jeff Morzenti, an employee at the Domtar Mill in Rothschild for more than 25 years, said he is one of those responsible for monitoring what exits the mill's smoke stacks.
Not just as an employee, but as a longtime resident of Weston, the 51-year-old Morzenti said he wouldn't support the plant if he didn't believe it was safe.
ROTHSCHILD -- Union leaders, village officials and small business owners were among the overwhelming majority who spoke Tuesday in favor of a proposed -- and highly debated -- biomass plant.
Only four of the 43 speakers opposed the plant during the first of two public hearings held by the Wisconsin Public Service Commission, which will assess the comments when deciding whether it will approve the project in mid-January, said Administrative Law Judge Michael Newmark.
We Energies and Domtar first proposed the plant, which will burn a woody biomass as fuel, in September 2009. It has been at the center of public debate for nearly as long.
At the afternoon hearing attended by about 200 people -- another hearing was held Tuesday evening -- supporters continued to argue that the biomass plant is critical to keep Domtar competitive and that it will create both temporary and permanent jobs.
Opponents stood strong, saying the plant, which is expected to burn 500,000 tons of biomass each year, will adversely affect air quality despite We Energies data that say emissions would be cut by 30 percent.
Jeff Morzenti, an employee at the Domtar Mill in Rothschild for more than 25 years, said he is one of those responsible for monitoring what exits the mill's smoke stacks.
Not just as an employee, but as a longtime resident of Weston, the 51-year-old Morzenti said he wouldn't support the plant if he didn't believe it was safe.
PSC to hold Public Hearings on We Energies Proposed Biomass Facility
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From a news release issued by the Public Service Commission:
MADISON -- The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (Commission) will hold public hearings in Rothschild on Wisconsin Electric Power Company’s (WEPCO, doing business as We Energies) application to construct a Biomass-Fired, Cogeneration Facility in the village of Rothschild, Marathon County, Wisconsin. The public hearings will be held Tuesday, November 30, 2010, at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites, Crystal 1 Room at 1000 Imperial Avenue in Rothschild. Administrative Law Judge Michael Newmark will preside over the hearings.
We Energies filed an application with the Commission on March 10, 2010 for approval to build and operate a 50 megawatt, Biomass-Fired, Cogeneration Facility in the Village of Rothschild.
Prior to acting on the application, the Commission will seek and consider public comments.
Public comments offered at the public hearings on the proposed biomass plant will be included in the record the Commission will review to make a decision. Attendees at each hearing will be able to provide testimony to the Administrative Law Judge presiding at the hearing. Citizens are encouraged to attend. If you cannot attend the public hearings, but would like to provide comments, you can do so on the PSC’s website through November 30, 2010. Click on the Public Comments button on the PSC’s homepage and click on the case title.
MADISON -- The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (Commission) will hold public hearings in Rothschild on Wisconsin Electric Power Company’s (WEPCO, doing business as We Energies) application to construct a Biomass-Fired, Cogeneration Facility in the village of Rothschild, Marathon County, Wisconsin. The public hearings will be held Tuesday, November 30, 2010, at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites, Crystal 1 Room at 1000 Imperial Avenue in Rothschild. Administrative Law Judge Michael Newmark will preside over the hearings.
We Energies filed an application with the Commission on March 10, 2010 for approval to build and operate a 50 megawatt, Biomass-Fired, Cogeneration Facility in the Village of Rothschild.
Prior to acting on the application, the Commission will seek and consider public comments.
Public comments offered at the public hearings on the proposed biomass plant will be included in the record the Commission will review to make a decision. Attendees at each hearing will be able to provide testimony to the Administrative Law Judge presiding at the hearing. Citizens are encouraged to attend. If you cannot attend the public hearings, but would like to provide comments, you can do so on the PSC’s website through November 30, 2010. Click on the Public Comments button on the PSC’s homepage and click on the case title.
Citizens Utility Board wants new biomass study
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From an article by Kevin Murphy in the Wausau Daily Herald:
MADISON -- The Citizens Utility Board wants the Wisconsin Public Service Commission to take a harder look at the environmental impact a power plant planned for Rothschild might have.
CUB asked the PSC last week to reconsider its preliminary decision not to conduct an environmental impact statement for the 50 megawatt, biomass-fueled generating plant We Energies wants to build on the south side of the Domtar paper mill.
PSC staff has conducted a preliminary environmental assessment, or EA, of the project that found it would pose no significant threat to the quality of the human environment. CUB said, however, that that conclusion is contrary to PSC staff's own preliminary determination that the plant will have significant impacts unless mitigation measures are implemented.
MADISON -- The Citizens Utility Board wants the Wisconsin Public Service Commission to take a harder look at the environmental impact a power plant planned for Rothschild might have.
CUB asked the PSC last week to reconsider its preliminary decision not to conduct an environmental impact statement for the 50 megawatt, biomass-fueled generating plant We Energies wants to build on the south side of the Domtar paper mill.
PSC staff has conducted a preliminary environmental assessment, or EA, of the project that found it would pose no significant threat to the quality of the human environment. CUB said, however, that that conclusion is contrary to PSC staff's own preliminary determination that the plant will have significant impacts unless mitigation measures are implemented.
Biomass hearing date set
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From an article by Kathleen Foody in the Wausau Daily Herald:
ROTHSCHILD -- State regulators, opponents and proponents of a proposed biomass plant in Rothschild agreed Wednesday to hold a Nov. 30 public hearing on the project.
Attorneys for We Energies, the Milwaukee utility behind the plan, and other interested groups gathered in Madison to set the timeline.
The $255 million project announced in September 2009 would burn woody biomass, creating electricity for We Energies to sell and steam to power the Domtar Mill's paper-making process.
We Energies needs the facility to be operational by the end of 2013 to qualify for federal tax credits and meet renewable energy requirements for utilities. The company has pushed for approval by state regulators at the Wisconsin Public Service Commission and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources by the end of the year to meet that goal.
The location and specific time of the hearing has not been set, PSC spokeswoman Teresa Weidemann-Smith said.
ROTHSCHILD -- State regulators, opponents and proponents of a proposed biomass plant in Rothschild agreed Wednesday to hold a Nov. 30 public hearing on the project.
Attorneys for We Energies, the Milwaukee utility behind the plan, and other interested groups gathered in Madison to set the timeline.
The $255 million project announced in September 2009 would burn woody biomass, creating electricity for We Energies to sell and steam to power the Domtar Mill's paper-making process.
We Energies needs the facility to be operational by the end of 2013 to qualify for federal tax credits and meet renewable energy requirements for utilities. The company has pushed for approval by state regulators at the Wisconsin Public Service Commission and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources by the end of the year to meet that goal.
The location and specific time of the hearing has not been set, PSC spokeswoman Teresa Weidemann-Smith said.
Plans moving ahead for bio-refinery in Park Falls
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`Central Wisconsin,
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From a story by Heather Sawaski on WAOW-TV, Wausau:
PARK FALLS (WAOW) -- Flambeau River Papers in Park Falls is going to get a little greener.
Company leaders say when the new biomass plant is complete, the mill will use all of its waste energy, making it the first mill in North America not to use any fossil fuels. That's a far cry from where the future of the paper mill stood just over 4 years ago. That's when CEO Butch Johnson bought it out of bankruptcy. That's when the idea of a biomass refinery in the Northwoods started to take shape.
"We're no smarter than the guys before us that went bankrupt," Johnson explained. "What can we do differently with our operation so we can ensure our employees, our partners in our project that we're going to keep going? So we looked at a green initiative from the get go."
The $300 will convert biomass from bark and sawdust into diesel for domestic markets.
Johnson says between logging, construction, and operation, the plant will bring in hundreds of jobs.
"We buy currently about 140,000 cords of wood for this paper mill," he said. "With the bio-refinery, we would be buying an additional 365,000 cords of wood."
PARK FALLS (WAOW) -- Flambeau River Papers in Park Falls is going to get a little greener.
Company leaders say when the new biomass plant is complete, the mill will use all of its waste energy, making it the first mill in North America not to use any fossil fuels. That's a far cry from where the future of the paper mill stood just over 4 years ago. That's when CEO Butch Johnson bought it out of bankruptcy. That's when the idea of a biomass refinery in the Northwoods started to take shape.
"We're no smarter than the guys before us that went bankrupt," Johnson explained. "What can we do differently with our operation so we can ensure our employees, our partners in our project that we're going to keep going? So we looked at a green initiative from the get go."
The $300 will convert biomass from bark and sawdust into diesel for domestic markets.
Johnson says between logging, construction, and operation, the plant will bring in hundreds of jobs.
"We buy currently about 140,000 cords of wood for this paper mill," he said. "With the bio-refinery, we would be buying an additional 365,000 cords of wood."
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