Biomass

Biomass electricity comes from organic fuel sources. We have contracts for about 110 megawatts of electricity from biomass generators. Two in northern Minnesota are fueled by forest harvest residue such as treetops and limbs. A third facility, brought on line in 2007 in western Minnesota, generates power using turkey litter.

We also generate our own biomass electricity

Our Bay Front plant in Ashland, Wis., is a three-unit generating station that has become a model for the creative use of fuels: coal, waste wood, railroad ties, discarded tires, natural gas and petroleum coke. Two of the three Bay Front operating units already use biomass as their primary fuel. Following more than a year of study and planning, we recently proposed a plan to install biomass gasification technology at Bay Front.

The proposed $58.1 million project will enable Bay Front to use 100 percent biomass in all three boilers and make it the largest biomass plant in the Midwest. For more information, read more about the Bayfront Biomass Gasification Project.

Waste-to-energy

We also have three power plants -- two in Minnesota and one in Wisconsin -- that produce about 67 megawatts of electricity from a fuel derived from municipal solid waste or garbage, called refuse derived fuel (RDF).

Our waste-to-energy facilities not only produce electricity; they play an important role in using waste that would otherwise end up in landfills. All of our waste-to-energy facilities have upgraded air quality control systems to meet stringent environmental emission regulations. Our Wisconsin waste-to-energy plant burns wood waste in combination with RDF.

Additional Resources

For specific details on Biomass Projects at the Renewable Development Fund-
Learn more at Active Projects or Past Projects.