NOVEC's Halifax County Biomass Electric Generating Facility
Among renewable-energy sources in Virginia, biomass power production is one of the most dependable, economical, and environmentally friendly alternatives available. This is especially true in Virginia’s Southside region where acres of forests and commercial logging create abundant wood waste. This region is where NOVEC built its first power plant: the NOVEC Halifax County Biomass Electric Generating Facility.
The plant’s 49.9-megawatt capacity is capable of providing enough renewable energy to power the equivalent of 27,400 NOVEC homes.
The plant was designed with the environment in mind.
All of the wood waste used in the electrical generation process comes from logging, sawmill, and urban forestry residues. No trees are cut down for the specific purpose of producing energy. The particulate matter generated from combustion process is collected and utilized by local farmers to help stabilize the pH of their soils.
The plant also uses water reclaimed from a nearby wastewater treatment facility for cooling which significantly reduces the need for potable water.
“Being good stewards of the environment has always been a priority at NOVEC,” said former Co-op President/CEO Stan Feuerberg. “Before 2013, we distributed electricity generated by renewable hydropower and landfill gases. We had been actively seeking an appropriate way to increase the amount of alternative energy in our resource portfolio. The biomass power plant is helping us meet our goal.
