Biomass power plants (BPPs) are being considered by communities like Russell and Greenfield because of promises of jobs and tax revenues. But are these real? Will the BPPs even operate?

I first learned that about one-third of the BPPs in the U.S. are not operating several years ago from John Bos, Public Information Officer for Russell Biomass. Approximately 80 BPPs operate in the U.S., burning wood and/or trash, and 40 do not operate but could. Why? A 2000 report by National Renewable Energy Laboratory report on lessons learned from existing BPPs provides some clues, pointing to problems with inadequate fuel supply, siting in residential neighborhoods, and financial difficulties. Words like “shutdown” and “bankruptcy” are sprinkled liberally throughout this government report.

Inadequate fuel supply is a real issue in western Massachusetts. The State’s data and mapping were used to simulate graphically what would happen to forests in the State if the five proposed BPPs were to go forward. Forests throughout central and western Massachusetts would be logged in only 9 to 16 years. See www.maforests.org/Impacts.htm.

Ignoring the above-mentioned lessons learned, the proposed BPPs propose to locate in residential neighborhoods. Public opposition to proposed BPPs is growing exponentially, partly because of this but also because of BPPs’ damaging impacts on climate, forests, air quality, rivers, and property values, as well as nuisance impacts related to traffic, noise, and odors.

Financial difficulties loom as public subsidies for BPPs are now in question. The State is rethinking its policies on Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) for BPPs, the primary type of public susidy, and is commissioning a study to evaluate BPP fuel supply adequacy and climate impacts. At the same time, a citizen-led petition initiative is gaining traction. A ballot question for November 2010 seeks to deny RECs to BPPs unless they significantly reduce their carbon dioxide emissions, which are higher than for any other fuel source and are the main culprit in global warming. See www.stopspewingcarbon.com or call 800-729-1363 for more information or to help. If BPPs cannot get RECs, will they be financially viable? It is questionable. Russell Biomass alone estimates it would receive a whopping $400 million in RECs over a 30 year period, which is not chump change.

BPPs are the least efficient form of electrical generation, with an abysmal 15 to 25 percent of the energy in the wood actually being converted to electricity, worse than any other fuel source. BPP dinosaurs would be the first in line to shut down when the next major energy breakthrough occurs, when they are no longer needed, or when they are no longer propped up with RECs.

Obviously, when BPPs shut down, the associated jobs and tax revenues evaporate. Many in the proposed host communities buy promises of jobs and tax revenues unquestioningly, hook, line, and sinker. It is also amazing that investors would put their money into such a shaky proposition as a BPP. Hopefully, this whole biomass house of cards will come tumbling down before any of these BPPs breaks ground.

Ellen Moyer, Ph.D., P.E.
October 5, 2009