Chemical firm Dow Corning is considering installing a biomass power plant at its silicon manufacturing site in Midland, Michigan.
The company said on August 20 that a gasification plant could be developed to provide a “renewable, reliable and cost effective” supply of electricity and steam for the chemical factory.
Gasification involves the heating of organic materials in a controlled chamber in the absence of air, to produce a combustible gas.
Dow Corning said its proposed facility would use waste wood chips from the forestry sector and timber mills, as well as dead trees or old growth from forest management programs.
The company said it would require any wood used to be independently certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), “assuring the wood is obtained and harvested sustainably”.
“Cost-effective”
“Dow Corning is exploring the use of renewable biomass energy to provide steam and electricity to our manufacturing operations,” said Jim Smith, Dow Corning Midland site manager. “Biomass would offer our site the long-term, cost effective and renewable supply of steam and energy we need as we continue to invest and grow our Midland operations.”
Dow Corning has a low-profile company by the name of Cirque Energy in the frame to build, own and operate the plant on its behalf.
Applications for environmental permits have been filed with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment, the chemical firm said.
The permitting process could take up to six months to complete, and will include a public comment period.
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