The Georgia Public Service Commission is expected to vote in September on a proposal that would allow Georgia Power to add nearly 80 megawatts (MW) of biomass power to its portfolio via three power purchase agreements (PPAs).

Georgia Power in 2022 issued a request for proposals seeking up to 140 MW of new biomass power capacity. That effort resulted in proposed PPAs with a combined 77.9 MW of capacity, including one greenfield project and two expansions of existing capacity. If the PPAs are approved by the Georgia PUC, the projects are expected to come online between 2025 and 2029.

The greenfield project would be developed by Altamaha Green Energy LLC at the site of a pulp mill in Jesup, Georgia, operated by Rayonier Performance Fibers. The proposed 70 MW project would provide power to the grid and steam to the Rayonier facility. The plant would consist of a circulating fluidized bed (CFV) fired boiler system that has been designed to fire woody biomass fuel with a typical moisture content between 25-55%. According to information filed with the PUC, the boiler, air quality control (AQCS), steam turbine generator, heat rejection system, water treatment, material handling, and all other auxiliary systems have been included to provide for a stand-along complete power generation facility.

One of the expansion projects would be developed at International Paper’s Port Wentworth Mill, which is located near Savannah. International Power currently owns and operates two steam turbines and two boilers at the mill. The facility would be upgraded to enable 3.6 MW to be supplied to the grid under the proposed PPA.

The other expansion project would be located at International Paper’s Flint River Mill, which is located roughly 125 miles south of Atlanta. International Paper currently owns and operates a 43.75 MW General Electric steam turbine generator, a 28 MW General Electric steam turbine generator, and two boilers at the facility. Planned modifications to the facility would enable 4.3 MW to be supplied to the grid under the proposed PPA.

The Georgia PUC is expected to hold a final hearing on the three proposed projects on Sept. 12, and vote on the proposals during its Sept. 17 meeting. Additional information is available on the Georgia PUC website under docket 44880.