The Georgia Public Service Commission is set to vote on a proposal enabling Georgia Power to add almost 80 Mw of biomass power to its facilities, with three power purchase agreements (PPAs).
In 2022, Georgia Power released a request for proposals, seeking up to 150 Mw of additional biomass capacity.
In response it received proposed PPAs with combined 77.9 Mw of capacity.
These projects included one greenfield project, along with two expansions of current capacity.
If approved, the projects are set to come online between 2025 and 2029.
A pulp mill in Jesup, Georgia is the site of the proposed greenfield project.
It would be developed by Altamaha Green Energy, and operated by Rayonier Performance Fibers.
The 70 Mw project would provide power to the grid and steam to the Rayonier facility.
The facility would incorporate a circulating fluidised bed (CFV) fired boiler system, designed to fire woody biomass fuel with a typical moisture content between 25-55%.
One of the expansion projects would be developed near Savannah, at International Paper’s Port Wentworth Mill.
International Power owns and operates two steam turbines and two boilers at the site.
The facility would undergo an upgrade, enabling 3.6 Mw to be supplied to the grid.
International Paper's Flint River Mill, 125 miles south of Atlanta, would house the other expansion project.
International Paper currently owns and operates a 43.75 Mw General Electric steam turbine generator, a 28 MW General Electric steam turbine generator, and two boilers at the facility.
Facility modifications would allow 4.3 Mw to be supplied to the grid under the PPA.
The Georgia PUC is expected to hold a final hearing on 12 September, and vote on the proposals during its 17 September meeting.
Georgia Power awaits decision on aim to add 80Mw biomass power to projects
