Plans by Synfuel Technologies, a small Illinois-based energy company, to build a 120-megawatt cogeneration plant in Thunder Bay are progressing, according to Robert Van Patten, president of the company.
The company was approached about a year ago, at the request of Thunder Bay Hydro, to make a proposal for the construction of an energy plant. The proposed plant will use new technology, which uses petroleum coke to produce synthesis gas that in turn can be burned directly to produce electricity.
The project is expected to be carried out in three phases. The first phase will be producing 120 megawatts within two years, with potential for expansion by 500 megawatts in four years.
Van Patten says he is waiting for signed agreements for the fuel supply and the off-take for both the steam and power. He says that the Northwest Energy Association will be the customer for the power and they have a customer lined up for the steam off-take.
Van Patten will be in Thunder Bay on Sept. 30 to meet with bankers to discuss construction financing. In early October there will be announcement on the selection of a firm to build the plant.
The construction project is expected to be in the $200-million range.
Environmental impact studies have been completed and appear to be favourable, Van Patten says.
The company will be providing a final report to the Ministry of Environment in the near future.
