DTE Energy converts plant to use biomass

In the US, energy provider DTE Energy has revealed plans to convert its Stockton, California-based coal-fired power plant – the Port of Stockton District Energy Facility (POSDEF) – to fire on 100% biomass.

The plant will generate 45MW of renewable power from wood waste, tree trimmings and agricultural residues.

'The plant conversion to biomass energy advances DTE Energy's commitment to green energy,' says Steve Sorrentino, vice president of DTE Energy. 'It will ensure a reliable source of energy with state-of-the-art technologies to preserve the environment. Most importantly, the project will bring hundreds of jobs to the Stockton area.'

The project will create around 100 jobs during the construction phase, in addition to 50 fulltime positions when the newly converted plant is up and running. Another 100 jobs will become available through contracts held with fuel suppliers and other companies that will provide services to plant.

Under a long-term power purchase agreement, DTE Energy will supply its power to PG&E.

DTE Energy has also converted another of its power plants, located in Cassville, Wisconsin, to use biomass, and has begun work on another conversion project in Bakersfield, California. The company also operates biomass-fired power plants in Woodland, California, and Mobile, Alabama.