The Berlin biomass-energy project (the "Berlin Project") will be one of the largest and most environmentally sound biomass-energy facilities in the United States. The Berlin Project is expected to utilize in excess of 700,000 tons of clean whole tree wood chips per year in order to generate approximately 65 megawatts of electricity, thus generating substantial local economic activity for loggers, truckers and other local businesses.
The fuel source for the Berlin Project will be whole tree wood chips and other low-grade wood, often referred to as "biomass materials", which are the byproducts of the local forest products industry and land management practices. Generally, whole tree chips are produced from trees unsuitable for use in lumber or paper mills, or from the tops and branches of trees harvested for lumber. Other clean wood products, such as wood residue from sawmills, is also suitable for fuel. Biomass fuel will be trucked to the facility in 20 ton live bottom trailers. The Facility also has rail access which may offer opportunities for cheap fuel from other regions (e.g., storm debris from the Southern U.S.). As discussed above, the substantial number of pulp and paper mill closures in the region has resulted in the loss of substantial jobs and a substantial reduction of biomass consumption, thus having a significant adverse effect on the regional economy. The Berlin Project will help to reverse this trend by investing over $25 million dollars per annum into the regional economy for biomass fuel purchases.
For more information on the Berlin, NH Progect please click Laidlaw Energy Group.
