MADISON – A plan to construct a state-of-the-art flexible fuel plant is good news for Wisconsin’s agricultural and rural economies, says the state’s largest farm organization.
The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation fully supports a proposal by Alliant Energy-Wisconsin Power and Light Company to construct a new baseload generating station in the community of Cassville.
“This proposal calls for the plant to achieve 20 percent of its energy needs by burning biomass such as switch grass, waste wood and leftover cornstalks; rather than depend solely on coal,” said Bill Bruins, president of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation. “These biomass products can be harvested locally in southwestern Wisconsin. Therefore this exciting new project provides an opportunity for farmers to add another source of revenue with the establishment of a sustainable, renewable biomass market.”
Alliant Energy has announced plans to double its commitment to renewable fuels at the Cassville generating station known as Nelson Dewey Unit 3. That means nearly 300,000 tons of biomass will be needed annually. Annual acreage estimates are for 22,000 acres of forests to generate 10 tons of waste wood per acre, and a combination of 25,000 acres of switch grass and corn to produce 5 tons per acre of switch grass, and 2 tons per acre of cornstalks.
“We are pleased that Alliant Energy remains committed to working with area farmers and foresters to develop this new biomass market,” said Bruins. “The project will jumpstart biomass development in Wisconsin, and will provide a template for other utilities to follow.”
“Both local economies and the environmental will benefit by providing new markets for cover crops that can be grown on marginal lands,” he added. “Providing new business opportunities for the people involved in the aggregation, transportation and processing of renewable resource fuels can help create wealth in many of Wisconsin’s rural towns.”
A recent study by two University of Wisconsin professors estimates a $50 million dollar annual economic impact to southwestern Wisconsin.
“The Farm Bureau also strongly believes this flexible-fuel plant is a step in the right direction toward reducing our reliance on fossil fuels,” Bruins said.
The Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s 2008 public policy supports the construction of new generation coal-fired power plants in areas of the state experiencing expanding electrical demands in order to eliminate the need for long distance transmission lines and to ensure adequate electricity at an affordable price.
“Wisconsin businesses, including farms, require reliable, affordable energy to remain competitive in an increasingly global market,” Bruins added.
