Coalition launches to help Conn. biomass project score PPA

A coalition has been launched in Montville, Conn., in order to demonstrate support for a biomass repowering project proposed by NRG Energy Inc.

Specifically, the group is focused on helping the project score a long-term power purchase agreement, the final component needed for the project to move forward. It is currently fully-permitted and could begin construction in six months, according to NRG Energy.

The coalition is urging the state to create a process that would result in a long-term contract for the power produced after the biomass conversion of an 82 MW oil- and natural gas-fired generating unit at NRG Energy’s Montville power plant. The unit would generate 40 MW post-conversion, but upon increased power demands, capacity could be ramped up to full capacity using gas or ultra-low-sulfur diesel.

The cost of repowering the plant, which NRG Energy estimates to be around $100 million, would be paid for by NRG, rather than ratepayers or taxpayers.

The project would create about 35 permanent jobs, 200 long-term regional forestry and logistic jobs in the area, improve the existing plant’s emissions, and help Connecticut meet its renewable portfolio standard of 20 percent by 2020, 20 percent of which must come from Class I resources, which the project is categorized under.  

The coalition, “RenewMontville.org,” is being chaired by long-term project supporter and Montville Mayor Ronald McDaniel, whose stance is that the project represents an opportunity to save and grow jobs in the area. Business, civic and labor groups as well as many other local and state elected officials are part of the coalition. To learn more, visit www.RenewMontville.org.