An Assessment of Biomass Power Generation in California: Status and Survey Results

Author(s): Aldas, R. E.; Gildart, M. C. | Abstract: This report details efforts to obtain performance information from existing biomass-toenergy facilities in California and to assess industry status and to help quantify benefits to the state. Four general categories of facilities currently predominate in the industry, namely, direct combustion or steam cycle facilities, landfill gas-to-energy (LFGTE) plants, sewage digester gasto-energy plants or wastewater treatment facilities, and animal and food waste digester gas-toenergy plants. Information regarding technical performance, environmental, socio-economic and other key indicators was gathered and compiled from cooperating facilities through survey and from indirect sources such as literatures and available databases. Attempts were also made to analyze the state programs and incentives concerning these biomass-to-energy facilities. This assessment has identified a total of 229 facilities covering 29 biomass direct combustion facilities, 3 municipal solid wastes-to-energy combustion facilities, 59 LFGTE facilities, 115 wastewater treatment plants, and 23 animal and food waste digester facilities. These facilities have a gross generating capacity of at least 1087 MWe, about 69% of which are from direct combustion plants. The net to grid capacity is at least 869 MWe. The estimated annual gross and net energy production is 8100 GWh and 6475 GWh, respectively. Power and energy production will increase substantially once data from all 229 facilities have been obtained. So far, these facilities have a low response rate to the survey; retuned surveys were around 22% of the total industry. Thus there is a need to continue the efforts in gathering reliable data directly from each facility. The information can be used to appraise the current operating condition of the industry as well as issues and concerns associated with continued operation and growth of the bioenergy sector.