BIOMASS TO NEW HAMPSHIRE

Laidlaw Energy to build 50 Megawatt biomass-energy plant in US
Giles Clark, April 3, 2007 (Biofuel Review)

WHO
Laidlaw Energy Group, Inc. and EcoPower, LLC, New Hampshire entities

WHAT
The Berlin Project: Conversion of the redundant Fraser Paper Mill facility to a 50 megawatt biomass-energy power plant, using 500,000 tons of biomass annually.

WHEN
Plans released March 3, 2007, deal expected to close within “a few months” with intended operation by 2008.

WHERE
Berlin, New Hampshire.

WHY
- The paper mill’s existing Babcock & Wilcox boiler, installed in 1993 for nearly $100 million, is a significant asset making the deal more feasible. There is abundant biomass in the heavily forested vicinity, having formerly provided the paper mill 1 million tons of biomass per year. It will provide 40 jobs at the plant and 500 jobs in trucking, forest work and local goods/services.
- North American Dismantling, Inc., the current owner, will retain the balance of the 130 acre site for other potential industrial development offering the possiblity of a combined-cycle operation for the energy generated by the plant, i.e., utilizing the heat as well as the electricity produced.

QUOTES
“Emissions from the biomass-energy facility will be maintained at an unprecedented low level through the use of highly advanced, second generation emissions controls that are expected to enable the plant to qualify for the renewable energy programs of various states in the Northeast and allow for the sale of Renewable Energy Credits (RECs).”