TORONTO, Jan. 20, 2009 -- Canada NewsWire


Ontario Power Generation has issued a call to potential suppliers of biomass fuel and transportation services as it moves forward with its development program to determine the commercial viability of replacing coal with biomass at existing coal-fuelled generating stations. The call applies to both sustainable forest-based and non-food agricultural products and by-products.

"To date OPG's biomass program has consisted of minor coal plant modifications and combustion tests," said Chris Young, OPG's Vice-President of Fossil Projects. "Results have been encouraging using small quantities of biomass purchased on the spot market but we need to explore the availability and cost of fuel."

OPG will use the information about fuel and costs, costs of required plant modifications and construction of fuel storage and handling facilities to further develop the business case for safe and efficient commercial-scale biomass electricity generation.

"The use of biomass as a fuel to generate electricity would help stimulate a 'made in Ontario' industry. It will also make use of existing OPG plants that are owned by the people of Ontario," Young said.

Biomass is recognized around the world as a source of renewable energy that is carbon neutral - the amount of greenhouse gases emitted by the fuel when it is burned are equal to the amount absorbed by the plant when it is growing.

The Request For Expressions of Interest for the supply of biomass and transportation services can be found on OPG's website www.opg.com

Ontario Power Generation Inc. is an Ontario-based electricity generation company whose principal business is the generation and sale of electricity in Ontario. Our focus is on the efficient production and sale of electricity from our generation assets, while operating in a safe, open and environmentally responsible manner.

SOURCE: Ontario Power Generation Inc.

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