Biomass energy projects such as the one described below are a possible step towards increasingly necessary Distributed Generation but the question still arises: can the nearby area provide sufficient woody biomass (and, in the case below, solid waste from urban areas) to allow the power plant to operate in a sustainable and eco-friendly fashion?
It is generally accepted that the woody biomass and solid waste necessary to fuel a biomass power plant must be available within a 50-mile radius of the plant. Much beyond that distance the additional cost (mostly diesel fuel for trucks) usually makes the collection of fuel for the plant simply too expensive. Sufficient fuels for the long-term and located within a financially feasible collection area are two questions addressed in the comments and related article at: Is Biomass Energy Actually Viable Long-term?
In addition, based on quotes in the article below, the proposed plant appears to be one that would utilize a British-based technology that uses decomposing biomass to produce gas that in turn is burned to generate electricity. If so, then there is a major challenge to limit the amount of greenhouse gases released by the power generation process.
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Klamath Tribes propose biomass energy plant
Herald and News – September 11, 2008
The Klamath Tribes are seeking partners for a proposed biomass generation facility planned for the former Crater Lake Mill site 25 miles north of Chiloquin.
Preliminary plans call for an 8-megawatt plant that would use a variety of biomass sources, such as woody material and solid waste from urban areas. At full capacity, the plant could provide energy for about 4,000 homes.
The plant would cost between $8 million and $12 million and is planned for the former Crater Lake Mill site.
Jef Mitchell, a Klamath tribal council member, said the British technology would use of a variety of biomass sources instead of just one.
“The technology is really extraordinary,” said Mitchell.
Woody material or other matter would be decomposed and 90 percent of it would become gas to drive generators. The rest would be a solid carbon byproduct.
The Tribes purchased the site in August and have designated the 108-acre parcel as the future home of the Giiwas Green Enterprise Park. Plans call for an industrial park with other forest products businesses, such as wood bundling services, manufacture of small diameter poles and posts and juniper products.
When complete, the industrial park would provide an estimated 200 family-wage jobs.
Tribal leaders are working with a national American Indian organization as part of a five-tribe project based on forests and tribal economies.
The Tribes also are working with Oregon Institute of Technology and Klamath Community College to provide technical expertise and training for future employees.
Tom Chester, director of the Oregon Renewable Energy Center at OIT, has discussed the project with the Tribes’ consultant and said issues remain to be worked out, such as how much energy would be generated and what happens to any leftover material.
Toby Freeman, regional community manager with PacifiCorp, said his company would be open to working with the Tribes but that facility would be in the area serviced by Bend-based Mid-State Electric.
PacifiCorp spoke with the Tribes two years ago about the project and provided some financial analysis, Freeman said.
