WAHOO! ADAGE HITS THE ROAD!PORT OF SHELTON PRESS RELEASE:
March 13, 2011
A weak market for renewable energy, specifically biomass, has prompted ADAGE to drop plans for construction of the proposed plant in Mason County, WA.
Representatives from ADAGE notified the Port of Shelton of their intent to halt development of their proposed wood‐fired power plant. “ADAGE was confident that it was well on its way in obtaining the necessary environmental and construction permits and had secured the necessary contracts for their fuel supply,” noted John Dobson, Executive Director. “However, since many utilities in Washington State have or will meet the public’s mandate (Initiative I‐937) for renewable energy over the next three years, the demand for this power plant’s output is simply not there.”
“The community has had a vigorous debate over this project which has provided a valuable opportunity to show that such a plant could be constructed in such a way as to protect the environment of Mason County,” Director Dobson Continued. “What is most important is that there was a clear‐eyed evaluation of the proposal, based on facts and not emotion. Ultimately the decision by ADAGE to suspend development was made by the marketplace.”
ADAGE had planned to build a 55‐megawatt wood‐fired boiler to generate electricity. The project would have represented a potential $250 million investment in Mason County. The project would have created more than 400 jobs during the construction, and more than 100 direct jobs during permanent operation.
In 2006, Washington State voters approved Initiative 937, a renewable energy law that includes biomass energy from wood and forest residuals as one of the qualifying resources. The initiative is codified as the Washington State Energy Independence Act.
ADAGE is a bio‐power joint venture formed between AREVA and Duke Energy. For more information about the ADAGE decision, contact Tom DePonty, director of public affairs, 301‐841‐2468
SHELTON BLOG NOTE:
Updated version of previous submission by Jack Miles
How does one spin the FACT that once AGAIN, old foggies were going to adopt and lease Shelton Port facilities to a pre-defunct non-sustainable business. The Port Executive director John Dobson, Port Commissioners Tom Wallitner and Jay Hupp, County Commissioners Sheldon and Ring Ericksson, the Chamber of Commerce and EDC Director Matt Matoyoshi were ready to expend the PEOPLE'S resources and health to host what has now been proven to be a bankrupt, unsustainable business plan.
ReplyDeleteThis proves the gross incompetence of these individuals and that they are incapable of constructing a realistic business plan for Mason County. The people should remove these supposed experts at the earliest opportunity and replace them with competent leaders with a healthy diversified business plan and a progressive vision for a currently all too narrow business base.
Oh Clear Cut, you put it perfectly into perspective. Don't forget, the PUD was helpful andd instrumental as well...
ReplyDeleteLeadership in Mason County needs to take a step into the present and stop seeking solutions to our energy problems that are not sustainable!