Renew Reaffirms Support Coal Plant Conversion To Wood

"From the testimony of Michael Vickerman in support of the installation of a biomass gasification system that would produce biomass-derived synthetic gas ("syngas") for serving Northern States Power's Bay Front Unit #5."

We note the following public policy objectives that would be advanced if the proposal submitted by Northern States Power Corporation ("NSPW") were approved. These objectives include:

1) Meeting Wisconsin's current Renewable Energy Standard;

2) Eliminating a source of coal-fired power from its system;

3) Using a locally available renewable energy resource;

4) Reducing carbon dioxide emissions and other gaseous pollutants;

5) Maintaining a strong generation source in northern Wisconsin; and

6) Investing Wisconsin capital in a renewable energy generating facility power plant within its borders.