Utility-Scale Biomass Power Development

Biomass materials are one of the largest domestic sources of renewable electricity generation in the United States, providing over 10,000 MW of reliable, economical, and environmentally superior power. Biomass consists of organic matter available on a recurring or renewable basis, including trees, plants, and animal wastes. Tamarack Energy’s development team targets biomass power development opportunities aimed at meeting our mission of leveraging the unique assets of each situation to develop sustainable and economically attractive energy projects. These may include stand-alone facilities generating power to be sold into the electricity grid or renewable energy parks serving the needs of industrial and commercial customers located on-site.

Benefits Of Biomass Power Generation

Power generated by biomass is becoming an increasingly important component of our country’s energy profile. High energy prices, new technologies, and favorable local, state, and federal policies have made utility-scale biomass power development a significant source of jobs for communities and an attractive alternative for investors.

Positive Local and Regional Economic Impact

Biomass plants make a significant, positive impact on local and regional economies by generating well-paying jobs in the construction and operation of the plant, as well as the collection and transportation of the feedstock. These facilities also add to the local tax base without requiring substantial services from the local community and can productively utilize land-clearing debris which would otherwise be deposited in already crowded landfills.

Reduced Air Emissions

Air emissions from carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) from biomass plants are significantly lower compared to traditional fossil fuel plants, such as coal. SO2 and NOx are major contributors to smog and acid rain. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that electricity generated from coal produces about 50 times more SO2 than biomass fuels and significantly more NOx.

Reduced Greenhouse Gases

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) is a major contributor to global warming. Trees and plants absorb and store CO2 during their growth cycle. Biomass power generation from sustainable feedstocks is therefore considered a carbon-neutral power generation option and an important tool in combating global warming.

Increased Energy Security

Recent reports have indicated that demand for power in some states could exceed supply within the next five years. This could result in significantly higher electricity prices and the potential for blackouts. Biomass power generation would help address this issue by providing a reliable, domestically-produced, dispatchable, economically-competitive, and environmentally superior source of electricity.

Reduced Reliance on Fossil Fuels

Biomass power generation reduces the region’s reliance on highly-volatile fossil fuels. This includes petroleum and natural gas, which is the source for more than 60 percent of electricity generation in some Northeastern states.

Positive Cultural and Ecological Impact

By ensuring a sustainable market for forest products, the jobs created as a result of these facilities help to protect and preserve the unique culture of many rural communities. In addition, these facilities encourage better forest management, which leads to the increased protection of critical wildlife habitats reduces the impact of invasive species, and provides a useful outlet for diseased or infected trees.

Tamarack Energy Biomass Power Development Expertise

The Tamarack Energy team has successfully developed several biomass power generation projects and utilizes its extensive experience to site, develop, finance, construct, and operate projects which meet the growing need for reliable, sustainable, and economically competitive energy. Tamarack Energy, together with its partners, brings the following expertise to the development of utility-scale biomass power projects:

• Market Assessment
• Project Siting and Site-Control Agreements
• Feedstock Evaluation and Agreements
• Financial Pro-Forma Development
• Environmental Assessment and Permitting
• Public Communications and Outreach
• Interconnection and Power Purchase Agreement Negotiations
• Renewable Energy Attributes Off-Taker Agreements
• Project Design Specifications
• Equipment Procurement and Engineering Services
• Construction Management Services