Recycled Energy Development Buys 30-MW California Biomass Power Plant

Date: June 2, 2010

Source: Recycled Energy Development

Recycled Energy Development Acquires California Biomass Power Plant

  • RED looks to boost plant efficiency and energy output while reducing CO2 emissions

Recycled Energy Development (RED), a Chicago-based waste energy recovery project developer, has acquired the 30-megawatt Honey Lake biomass power plant in Wendel, Calif. Following the acquisition, RED hopes to increase the plant's efficiency and clean energy output.

Built in 1989, the Honey Lake plant leverages nearby geothermal energy to help generate electricity from a biomass feedstock of forest thinnings, logging residue, mill wastes and other waste wood. One of the area's largest private employers, the facility sells its electricity under long-term contract to Pacific Gas & Electric.

"Profitably reducing greenhouse gases is the key to limiting climate change," said Hugh Smith, president of RED Holding Company, LLC. "Improving this plant's already efficient use of biomass waste as a source of baseload power can only help achieve those goals."

RED plans to make a significant capital investment and put its team's extensive clean energy expertise to work enhancing the plant's efficiency and production. Among other improvements, RED will evaluate installing a waste heat recovery system that could significantly increase the plant's output of renewable energy. Potential project enhancements could also reduce California CO2 emissions by 44,000 metric tons per year. That is the equivalent of taking more than 8,000 cars off the road.

This acquisition is part of RED's strategic partnership with Denham Capital Management to develop and manage a portfolio of clean energy projects.

About Recycled Energy Development, LLC

Recycled Energy Development (www.recycled-energy.com) develops, owns and operates power projects that harness waste energy and dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions and power costs. With more than 30 years experience undertaking environmentally-responsible energy development projects, RED's team works closely with industrial companies to optimize energy efficiency and maximize profits.

For more information, contact:
Heather Shadur: 312.226.5100 or heather@shadur.com.

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