In April, Dominion announced plans to convert three 63 -MW coal burning peaking plants to 50 MW continuous power plants using biomass.
Although Dominion’s application to convert the power stations is pending before the Virginia State Corporation Commission., Enviva has been selected to supply the two plants, which are located in Southampton and Hopewell, Virginia.
“Enviva is delighted to be a key part of Dominion’s decision to be among the first U.S. utilities to embrace the power of biomass, benefiting their customers, the economy and the environment,” said Enviva Chairman and CEO John Keppler.
He added, “Dominion’s selection of Enviva reflects our increasing position as a preferred partner and supplier to utilities seeking sustainably generated, reliable biomass supply for renewable energy generation”.
In the last year, Enviva has rapidly expanded its operating footprint in the Mid-Atlantic region where it has well-established relationships within the timber industry and the fibre supply chain.
This fall, Enviva’s flagship wood pellet plant in Ahoskie, N.C., will commence operations, producing up to 400,000 metric tons of wood pellets per year.
In August, the company also announced plans to develop a second wood pellet facility in nearby Northampton County and a strategic partnership with Biomass Energy to operate its Bumpass, Va.-based wood chip and pellet manufacturing facility.
Wood pellets from these facilities ship out of the company’s deepwater port facility in Chesapeake, Va.
Enviva also operates two wood pellet facilities in Mississippi. The company’s total annual production capacity will reach 750,000 metric tons by the end of 2011.
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