Seneca biomass energy project
EWEB Commissioners on May 5 approved the purchase of power from a biomass energy generation
facility planned for construction at the Seneca wood-products facility in northwest Eugene.
This facility will provide a steady source of locally produced electricity to meet Eugene's
current and future energy needs.
Biomass is widely considered a renewable source of energy. It qualifies as renewable under Oregon's
new Renewable Portfolio Standards, as well as the Green-e certification program.
EWEB contracted the Good Company to conduct a sustainability assessment of the project. The Good Company
researched and analyzed the project and provided comparative data for other power
resources.
EWEB is not constructing the power plant and will have no ownership of the facility.
EWEB will simply be a buyer of electricity generated by the facility, which will be capable of
producing nearly 18 megawatts of electricity. The plant will use wood waste from lumber mill
and forestry operations to generate steam, which will then be used for two purposes: To provide steam
for the mill's lumber-drying operations and to generate electricity.
Lane Regional Air
Protection Agency (LRAPA)