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Wisconsin Commission seeks views on 50MW biomass project

Documents about the biomass project, including photo simulations, are available on the Public Service Commission website

Wisconsin residents are being asked for their views on a proposed $255 million biomass-fired power plant to be built for a paper mill in Rothschild.

The state’s Public Service Commission is seeking public comments regarding the 50MW project proposed by the Wisconsin Electric Power Company (WEPCO), the utility which does business under the brand We Energies.

The Milwaukee-based company filed for permission to develop the project for the Domtar Corporation’s paper mill back in March 2010.

Wisconsin construction company The Boldt Corporation is in the frame to build the plant if it receives the required permits (see this BrighterEnergy.org story).

If granted consent, the facility would require 500,000 tons of biomass fuel a year, which We Energies intends to source “largely” from within 75 to 100 miles of the plant.

Comments on the proposed project will be accepted until June 1, 2010.

The Commission, which has powers to deny, approve or modify the proposal, said public views would be considered while its staff analyze the project. There will be public hearings held later this year when more testimony can be taken.

The Commission said issues it will be looking into when assessing the project will be whether there is enough fuel available for the plant, and whether that fuel can be harvested in a “sustainable, environmentally-sound manner”.