Phoenix Energy JV receives $4.9m grant for forest biomass gasification plant

Phoenix Energy's joint venture, North Fork Community Power's project has been awarded a $4.9 million (€4.4 million) grant from the California Energy Commission (CEC), which will be used to build biomass gasification plant, as well as research into the emerging field of forest biomass utilisation.

The plant will consume biomass sourced from forestry and fuel reduction activities from areas such as the Sierra National Forest. It will be used to produce electricity, heat and biochar – a solid carbon by-product that is used as a soil conditioner and filter media. It will also be one of the first projects to use forest-based fuel under California's new SB 1122 bioenergy law.

The plant will be built in phases, with an initial 1MW financed mainly by the California Energy Commission grant and private and community investors.

Phoenix Energy is an independent power producer that operates a network of small, distributed generation biomass gasification plants in partnership with businesses and communities. North Fork Community Power is a joint venture between Phoenix Energy and the North Fork CDC that will own and operate a biomass gasification facility in North Fork, California.

The facility will primarily use sustainably harvested forest biomass that is frequently piled and burned for disposal. Additional fuel will come from local fire safe councils and the community.

The facility will sell power to PG&E under California's landmark SB1122 bioenergy law.

 

SOURCE: Phoenix Energy