Oct 7 2010
Santee Cooper, the power utility owned by the state of South Carolina, has declared its intention to purchase 95 MW of clean power from two biomass power production companies located in the state. The Board of Directors of the company who met recently has approved the power purchase agreements, and considers them as a major development for the renewable energy program of the company.
The company has signed its first agreement with Domtar Paper Company for the purchase of 50 MW power for a period of 15 years. Domtar will produce power from its biomass power producing facility set up at Bennettsville pulp and paper mill. The paper mill incorporates a mixed heat and power system that uses waste wood for working. The steam generated from the system will be used for paper production of the mill while the electricity will be connected to the grid facility of Santee Cooper.
Santee Cooper signed its second contract with Southeast Renewable Energy (SRE), a company located in Georgia. The contract signed for a period of 30 years will allow the company to receive 15 MW of biomass power from the biomass power facilities to be built by SRE in Dorchester and Kershaw counties and in another unspecified location. The biomass facilities to be built by SRE are expected to be commissioned in 2012 or 2013.
Lonnie Carter, President and CEO of Santee Cooper utility, said that his company intends to support the two biomass projects that are viable and cost efficient. He further said that the signed agreements will considerably increase the renewable energy power supplied by the company to its clients and indicates the commitment of the company in preserving the environs while contributing to the economic growth of the state.