Ontario Power Generation Inc. (OPGI) has issued request for expression of interest for potential suppliers of biomass fuel and transportation services for development program to decide the viability of replacing coal with biomass at existing coal-fuelled generating stations. The call applies to both sustainable forest-based and non-food agricultural products and by-products.
“To date OPGI’s biomass program has consisted of minor coal plant modifications and combustion tests,” said Chris Young, OPGI’s vice-president of fossil projects. “Results have been encouraging using small quantities of biomass purchased on the spot market but we need to explore the availibity and cost of fuel.”
OPGI will use the information about fuel and costs, costs of required plant modifications and construction of fuel storage and handling facilities to further develop the business case for safe and efficient commercialscale biomass electricity generation.
“The use of biomass as a fuel to generate electricity would help stimulate a ‘made in Ontario’ industry. It will also make use of existing OPGI plants that are owned by the people of Ontario,” Young said.