Feb 1 2010
Xcel Energy has retained Burns & McDonnell to provide comprehensive engineering services for the conversion of its third and last coal-fired generating unit to biomass gasification at its Bay Front Power Plant located in Ashland, Wisconsin. The 73-MW Bay Front Plant will be the largest biomass gasification power plant in Midwest once the conversion for this last unit is completed.
Public Service Commission of Wisconsin had provided approval to Xcel Energy in late 2009 for the conversion of its third and last coal-fired generating unit to biomass gasification. The other converted two units are already producing electricity by using wood of lower quality. The lower quality wood materials are the remains of logging operations in forests. When the conversion of the third unit is completed, it will also utilize similar quality of wood waste to produce synthetic gas (syngas), which will be used to fire the boiler.
The contract awarded to Burns & McDonnell includes designing and constructing additional biomass handling facilities, gasification equipment purchase and installation, engineering design and equipment installation for the alteration of the third unit boiler. The contract also includes design and construction support services for installing the air quality control equipment.
Technology evaluation and engineering design have already begun and the construction of the project is scheduled to start in 2011. As per the schedule, the project will begin operation in 2012.
When conversion project is completed, emissions of nitrogen oxide will be reduced by 60%. Sulfur dioxide and particulate matter emissions will also be reduced by 80%.
Source: www.burnsmcd.com