TRAVERSE CITY -- City commissioners have plenty of questions about a proposed wood-burning power plant, but largely believe it's a good idea for the region.
Traverse City Light & Power soon will decide whether to build a biomass plant. The plant would be fired on wood or other plant-based materials and likely be built on a seven-acre site off Parsons Road in Traverse City.
City commissioners must approve the project if Light & Power goes out for bonds, City Manager Ben Bifoss said, something the public utility is likely to do. Anticipated construction costs are about $30 million, though half could be covered by federal stimulus money.
Light & Power had a joint meeting with the city commission Monday to discuss biomass. No decisions were made.
Mayor Chris Bzdok, who regularly deals with energy and environmental issues, believes biomass is a "vital component" of an environmentally sensitive energy portfolio. It's much more carbon friendly than coal, he said, and can be sustainable if properly managed.
"It's not the end-all solution, but it's a component, and we've got to figure out a responsible, sustainable fuel level," he said.
Millions of dollars are lost in the transfer when Light & Power purchases and transports energy from downstate, Bzdok said, so a local generation source is a good idea.
"We can't snap our fingers and get off coal, but we need to hedge our bets, we need to diversify ... you're going to need local baseload, and biomass provides local baseload," he said.
Commissioner Mike Gillman said biomass likely is a "necessary option" for Light & Power. He has concerns about resource exhaustion, but believes properly managed biomass is a good idea.
The Northern Michigan Environmental Action Council on Monday hosted a Vermont-based climate activist who attacked biomass and said consumers should instead focus on energy conservation, an idea Gillman called "completely unrealistic."
Jim Carruthers sits on both the city commission and Light & Power's board. Any power generation decisions are going to be controversial, he said, and biomass should be considered as a viable option.
"What happened to this mantra of getting off fossil fuels? ... We need to do something about local generation of cheap, clean, reliable energy," he said.
Ralph Soffredine also sits on the commission and Light & Power's board. He believes studies have shown there's enough fuel in the region to support biomass, and agreed that any new fuel source probably will meet opposition.
"My choice is going to be based on what I think is best for the ratepayers," he said. "Do I think biomass is bad? No. I think there's plenty of fuel."
Commissioner Mary Ann Moore said there are downsides to biomass, but it's likely the "least of our evils" when compared to coal, nuclear power and other large-scale power generation options.
"My thought is it's probably the best solution offered," she said.
Commissioner Barbara Budros is concerned Light & Power didn't fully review other renewable-energy options before settling on biomass.
"I'm not thoroughly convinced that biomass is actually as clean and green as it's touted to be ... I just don't know what the other options are," she said.
Light & Power officials previously said they've weighed and plan to continue weighing other renewable-energy sources like solar and wind power.
The Light & Power board is expected to make a decision about biomass after two public forums scheduled this week.
Light & Power biomass forums
Thursday at 7 p.m. at the City Opera House
Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Hagerty Center
Light & Power officials plan to gather public input at both meetings.
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