Rollcast Energy Inc. plans Newberry facility
Monday, October 20, 2008COLUMBIA — Rollcast Energy Inc. said it will establish Loblolly Green Power LLC, a new biomass facility in Newberry County.
Santee Cooper will purchase the 50 megawatts of renewable power that this new facility produces as an aim to enhance the utility’s existing renewable energy programs.
Loblolly Green Power will be the first such facility in the state generating commercially available renewable power.
The $170 million investment is expected to generate 27 new permanent jobs with up to an estimated additional 200 jobs that could be generated as a result of contractor services and construction.
Construction is scheduled to begin in June 2009 and the plant is scheduled for energy production by 2011.
Once operations begin, the biomass plant will produce approximately 50 megawatts, enough to supply power to 25,000 homes.
Company officials says Newberry was chosen due to its skilled forestry management, forestry operations and recycling companies.
Biomass is the oldest form of renewable energy and provides an alternative to fossil fuel-fired plants.
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