Illinois' Jo-Carroll to build biomass plant

Elizabeth, Ill.-based Jo-Carroll Energy said today it planned to build the first biomass plant of its kind in the state.

The not-for-profit, cooperatively owned utility said it hopes to start construction on the 80 megawatt plant in 2009 and begin operations in 2012, but Jo-Carroll is still working on a financing package for the project.

"We are exploring every possible funding scenario for the plant,"  said Jo-Carroll Energy president and CEO Michael Hastings.

The utility said the $140 million plant would produce enough electricity to power more than 10,000 homes in northwestern Illinois.

Jo-Carroll said the new plant would be fueled by various types of renewable biomass, including clean waste wood, corn stover and switchgrass.

"Jo-Carroll Energy is talking to other utilities, including other cooperatives, about potential equity partnerships, but no agreements have been reached yet," he said.

Hastings said another important component of the funding package will be economic development and renewable energy incentives offered by local, state and federal agencies.

The plant is expected to go up on 60 acres just south of a Danisco plant on Route 84, and Jo-Carroll plans to sell the steam it produces to Danisco for use in that company's industrial processes.

Copenhagen-based Danisco is one of the world's largest producers of food ingredients.

Jo-Carroll, founded in 1939, currently serves more than 26,000 electric and natural gas accounts in Jo Daviess, Carroll and Whiteside Counties.

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