Jan 12 2010
Georgia Power has decided to postpone the conversion of coal-fueled Plant Mitchell in Albany, Ga. to biomass as the company is not sure how the industrial boiler emissions will be affected by the future regulations of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The conversion will take place after the rules are better defined by EPA in April 2010.
The much expected industrial boiler Maximum Achievable Control Technology (IB MACT) rule will monitor the emissions of harmful air pollutants like specific acid gases, metals, organics and other pollutants from industrial boilers and the rule will also potentially affect biomass boilers similar to the one that has been planned for Plant Mitchell.
Jeff Burleson, Director of Resource Policy and Planning for Georgia Power, remarked that the company is dedicated in continuing with the development of renewable energy in Georgia. The company is indeed displeased with the postponement of the large biomass project and the benefits that this project will provide. This delay, according to Burleson, will reduce cost risk to customers.
Retrofit construction at Plant Mitchell was originally scheduled for commencement in April 2011 by Georgia Power and the company is yet to determine the new schedule for the project. Georgia Power will analyze the potential impact the company might have on this project after the EPA rules are better defined. Georgia Power is planning to examine other boiler technologies in case the redefined rules impact the cost of the conversion process significantly that has been currently planned for Plant Mitchell.
Plant Mitchell, after the conversion process, will possess lower emissions and it will also be one of the largest wood biomass plants in the United States. In comparison with continued operation using coal fuel, this plant will possess reduced fuel and operating costs thus enabling it to be cost-efficient for customers.
Source: http://www.georgiapower.com/