Biomass and Conversion Technologies

Biomass to Energy

However, the biomass-to-energy industry has declined dramatically in the past decade. This is largely due to expiration of contracts favorable to the industry containing fixed prices for the electricity produced from renewable fuels such as biomass, or expiration of specific favorable price provisions in the contracts. As a result, many biomass-to-energy plants either reduced their output or shut down altogether as operating costs now exceeded these lower revenues (at least until energy prices began surging in the summer of 2000).

Between 1980 and 1999, the number of active facilities declined by 28 plants, representing a 264 MW reduction of generating capacity. Of these, 14 plants were idled and 14 were dismantled. Recently, three additional plants were idled representing a further loss of 51 MW of generating capacity. Two plants shut down because of nonpayment from utilities for electricity already produced, and one because of fuel supply problems. As a result, only 26 plants are currently operating and capable of generating 550 MW of electrical energy.

If the biomass-to-energy infrastructure continues to disappear, along with the myriad of suppliers associated with it, California’s ability to produce energy during peak periods will be severely impacted. This will also affect many local jurisdictions’ ability to meet the State mandate to divert 50 percent of solid waste from landfills.

The following table summarizes the number and status of California's biomass-to-energy facilities.

At its April 24-25, 2001 meeting, the Board approved a report on the existence, status, and progress of public policy cost-shifting strategies for the biomass-to-energy industry. A free copy of the report entitled Cost-Shifting Strategies For The Biomass-to-Energy Industry, A Cal/EPA Report To The Legislature (AB 2273) (#442-01-019) is now available in Word and PDF format.

Another report--Feasibility Study on the Expanded Use of Agricultural and Forest Waste in Commercial Products--identifies the various origins, types, and quantities of agricultural and forest waste in California; examines the potential uses of these resources in commercial products, and discusses the potential impact that diversion might have on landfills.

Last updated: April 01, 2008