JV Green Power Solutions develops biomass plant

In Dublin, Georgia, US, Beasley Forest Products and Land Care Services have formed a joint venture to develop a biomass-fuelled power plant.

The new company, Green Power Solutions, can move forward with the development of its 56MW power plant after the Georgia Public Service Commission approved the plans. Upon completion, the facility will be the largest renewable green energy qualifying facility developed in Georgia to date.

The plant will convert around 1.2 million tonnes a year of wood bark, chips and other biomass materials into 56MW. Additionally, it will supply steam to a nearby existing paper mill.

Around 150 construction jobs will become available during the building stage of this project, as well as 55 permanent jobs and more than 200 fulltime jobs in the logging and forestry sectors.

A 20-year power purchase agreement with Georgia Power is currently being finalised.

'By tapping into woody biomass to produce electricity, Georgia Power is both continuing to diversify its expanding renewable portfolio throughout the state and doing what's good for the environment,' says Jamie Hockin, manager of renewable and green strategy at Georgia Power.