Biomass Industry Outlook 2012: Cautiously Optimistic
22.05.12
For now, biomass developers are still beset with the EPA's regulatory uncertainty and plenty of NIMBY opposition. Growth is likely to be limited to projects nearing completion after years of development. The industry, however, stands to benefit from 2012 construction that could bring hundreds of jobs to Florida, Michigan, New Hampshire, Texas and Virginia. "We'll see gains for big projects where you have a combination of local fuel supply and strong political support," said Bob Cleaves of the Biomass Power Association . "At the same time, the weak economy, lack of demand for power and plummeting natural gas prices make it difficult to continue operations of smaller plants without long-term PPAs."
Before the new year begins, the industry hopes for a reprieve from the EPA's proposed regulations on carbon dioxide and particulate emissions. The U.S. Senate is expected to vote soon on legislation requiring the EPA to revise strict standards under the Boiler Maximum Achievable Control Technology (Boiler MACT) . A similar bill passed the House in October.
Source: RenewableEnergyWorld.com