State Aid Helps Renewables Project At UP Paper Mill
Memphis, Tenn.-based Verso Paper Corp. Wednesday announced the launch of a $43 million renewable energy project, which will position its mill in Quinnesec, Mich. -- a small town on US-2 in the western Upper Peninsula -- to meet more than 95 percent of its energy needs using renewable biomass sources.
"The implementation of the Quinnesec Renewable Energy Project is in alignment with Verso's three-pronged energy strategy, which is to reduce overall energy consumption, generate more green energy from renewable biomass and reduce our carbon footprint, all while reducing costs," said Mike Jackson, Verso's president and CEO.
Added Gov. Jennifer Granholm: "Clean energy projects supported by the state are leading America's drive to energy independence with bold initiatives to develop energy technologies and new fuels from renewable resources."
"Verso is fortunate to have active partners in the Michigan governor's office, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Dickinson County and Breitung Township, who are working diligently to help make our renewable energy project a reality," said Mike Sussman, Quinnesec Mill Manager.
A direct result of the statewide partnership is the designation of a 15-year, 34.51-acre Forest Products Processing Renaissance Zone, which allows a company within the zone to operate free of virtually all state and local taxes over the life of the designation. It is the first such zone issued in the state.
The project scope includes design upgrades to the Quinnesec Mill's existing combination boiler, which burns biomass from waste wood sources, the addition of a new biomass handling system, and the installation of a new turbine generator supplied by Siemens. Verso is partnering with AMEC Engineering to begin detailed design for the project, which is estimated to start up by December 2011.
"The designation of the state's first Forest Products Processing Renaissance Zone is especially important to Dickinson County and the surrounding communities," Michigan Economic Development Corporation President and CEO Greg Main said. "It allows a local corporation to build on the area's existing natural resources to create new business and employment opportunities, and at the same time helps diversify the economy."
In celebration of the project kickoff, Verso is hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 28, where key stakeholders involved in project planning and execution will be invited to tour the site.
More at www.versopaper.com.
Michigan's Renaissance Zone program is administered by the Michigan Economic Development Corp. The MEDC, a partnership between the state and local communities, promotes smart economic growth by developing strategies and providing services to create and retain good jobs and a high quality of life.
For more information on the MEDC's initiatives and programs, visit www.MichiganAdvantage.org.
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