50 MW capacity biomass plant begins operation at Domtar's Wisconsin paper mill

ROTHSCHILD (Scrap Monster) :  We Energies has commissioned its new biomass-fuelled power plant which can produce up to 50 megawatt (MW) of electricity on Domtar’s Rothschild, Wisconsin paper mill site. The biomass plant utilizes wood, waste wood and sawdust to produce electricity. In addition, the steam output from the plant will support the paper making activities of Domtar.

We Energies proposed construction of biomass-fuelled cogeneration power plant at Domtar Corporation’s Rothschild, Wis., paper mill site in September 2009. The company filed applications with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources in March 2010. It received all necessary local and state approvals by June 2011. The construction of the $255 million plant created over 400 construction jobs over the 2.5-year building process.

The new plant is expected to generate nearly 150 permanent jobs. The plant will also enable Domtar to be better positioned in the competitive global market by improving the paper mill’s energy efficiency and reducing overall emissions at the site.

We Energies provide electric service to customers in portions of Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The company also serves natural gas customers in Wisconsin and steam customers in downtown Milwaukee.