EDF Renewables and Santee Cooper Dedicate the Pinelands Biomass Project

HARLEYVILLE, SC (Nov. 21, 2013): EDF Renewables and Santee Cooper today dedicated the Pinelands Biomass project which consists of two nominal 17.8 megawatt (MW) generating facilities located in Allendale and Dorchester Counties in South Carolina. The Dorchester facility achieved commercial operation on November 1; Allendale followed on November 19.

The two projects interconnect to Santee Cooper’s transmission system adjacent to the sites with the generated renewable energy contracted to the utility under 30-year Power Purchase Agreements.

“Biomass is poised to be a key renewable base load energy resource for South Carolina and we are pleased to work with Santee Cooper on this excellent opportunity to produce economically attractive renewable energy,” said Tristan Grimbert, President and CEO of EDF RE. “Utilizing wood waste to generate electricity is a proven renewable technology that complements EDF Renewables’ robust portfolio of wind, solar and biogas projects in North America.”

“Santee Cooper was the first utility in the state to deliver electricity to all our customers from new renewable resources 12 years ago,” said Lonnie Carter, Santee Cooper’s President and CEO. “Today represents a new milestone for us and for South Carolina. The partnership forged with EDF Renewables helps advance Santee Cooper’s role as the state’s leader in generating renewable energy.”

Allendale and Dorchester Counties enjoy a substantial and reliable wood supply. The woody biomass facilities, with a consistent and sustainable wood demand, will bring significant economic benefits to both counties by contracting with the existing trucking and wood supply industry. Additionally, the two facilities have created over 250 construction jobs and 38 full-time positions.

The projects use a well proven biomass design with a stoker boiler, supplied by Factory Sales Engineering (FSE) and a steam turbine generator supplied by General Electric (GE). Bibb Engineers is the engineer of record and Summit Industrial Construction is the general contractor. EDF Renewables will provide long-term operations and maintenance.

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