The gasification technology uses a non-combustion process to convert Ag and other woody residues into a hydrogen rich gas (syngas), which is then converted into electricity, along with heat and biochar.
The Phoenix Energy technology used in Merced essentially cooks the biomass in an oxygen-deprived environment to release the elemental gasses from the wood.
The plant, located in Merced, was connected to the electricity grid under California’s feed-in-tariff with a 15-year power purchase agreement.
The Merced plant is expected to produce enough electricity to power approximately 400 homes.
