Plant Mitchell Biomass Conversion Approved

Tuesday, March 17, 2009 - The Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) today approved Georgia Power's request to certify Vogtle units 3 and 4, the conversion of Plant Mitchell to biomass fuel, and Georgia Power's investment of $2 billion in new emissions controls at plants Brach and Yates.

Upon conversion, Plant Mitchell will be capable of producing 96 megawatts of renewable energy - or enough electricity to power 60,000 homes. The Plant will have lower emissions, and will be one of the largest wood biomass plants in the United States.

It will also have lower fuel and operating costs when compared to continued operation using coal, thereby making the plant more cost-effective for customers. In addition, the project is expected to create 50-75 new jobs in the Albany area. Surplus wood fuel for Plant Mitchell will come from suppliers operating within an appromimately 100-mile radius of the plant.

Retrofit construction will begin in April 2011, and the biomass plant is expected to begin operation in June 2012.

Read the DOE News Release Here