A new biomass-fueled power plant at Domtar Corporation’s Rothschild, Wisconsin paper mill site will produce 50 megawatts of electricity from wood, waste food and sawdust. If approved, the project is to be funded by We Energies, who will file an application for a Certificate of Authority with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin in early 2010, requesting approval for the biomass plant. The plant is expected to be completed in the first half of 2013.
“Forest sustainability has long been a hallmark of Domtar’s operations in Rothschild, and we’re delighted to tap into this expertise as we expand our production of renewable energy,” said Gale Klappa, We Energies chairman, president and chief executive officer. Besides producing electricity, wood reduces green gas emissions.
John D. Williams, Domtar’s president and chief executive officer highlighted that the partnership will create jobs to the community, improve the mill’s competitiveness and help the State of Wisconsin meet its clean energy targets.
Under Wisconsin law, utilities statewide must use renewable energy to meet 10 percent of the electricity needs of retail customers by the year 2015.
