Biogas plant opens in Oregon

A commercial-scale renewable power plant has opened in Junction City in the US state of Oregon.

The project, known as JC-Biomethane, has been labelled 'the Pacific Northwest's first commercial food waste-to-electricity' facility.

Essential Consulting of Oregon designed and will also manage the plant, which will convert large volumes of food waste and other biomass materials into biogas for the production of biopower. It will also generate thermal energy and liquid and fibre nutrients.

The Oregon Department of Energy provided technical assistance and $1.7 million (€1.25 million) of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding. It also received $2 million in cash incentives from Energy Trust Oregon. The total investment for the biogas plant is estimated at $16 million.

'By encouraging new sources of renewable energy, we are creating a business climate that supports innovation, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and building a more diversified energy future in the state,' Governor Kitzhaber was quoted as saying.