SoCalEd Offers New Type of Renewable Energy Contract to Expand Biomass Generation

[jpak]

http://digital50.com/news/items/BW/2001/07/14/20070514005954/southern-california-edison-offers-new-type-of-renewable-energy-contract-to-expand-bio.html

ROSEMEAD, Calif.-(Business Wire)-May 14, 2007 - Southern California Edison (SCE), the nation's leading purchaser of renewable energy, today issued a new power contracting option called a "Biomass Standard Contract," designed to help smaller biomass generators contribute to reaching California's aggressive renewable energy and environmental goals.

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Prior to SCE's new initiative, California biomass projects with generating capacities between 100 kilowatts and 1 megawatt (MW(1)) had limited opportunities to sell their energy. SCE's new Biomass Standard Contract opens the door for these projects, and provides a faster, simpler way for biomass projects under 20 MW to sell their power to utility customers.

SCE is offering three new biomass contract options for projects with less than 1 MW of generating capacity, 1 MW to 5 MW, and greater than 5 MW to 20 MW. Contract terms of 10, 15, or 20 years will be accepted. The utility plans to accept up to 250 MW of new biomass capacity through the new program. Final agreements are subject to review and approval by the California Public Utilities Commission.

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[XemaSab]

1. A lot of these biomass technologies are so-called conversion technologies

which can include basically burning yard waste at ultra-high temperatures to generate electricity.

Like any other form of electrical generation, it giveth and it taketh away. It's probably better than landfilling it, but you're still getting CO2 pooped out the backside of these things. :shrug:

My boss *loves* these things... they're right in there with IGCC with CO2 sequestration in his most happy fantasies. WAY above solar thermal. :P