Sludge Watch ==> Auburn NY - CH Energy to build sewage biogas plant $9.75

[Maureen Reilly]

CH Energy to build $9.75M biogas plant in NY
November 27, 2007

The facility will use gas from an adjacent wastewater treatment plant to 
generate electricity.
Poughkeepsie, N.Y.-based CH Energy Group (NYSE: CHG) announced a long-term 
contract to supply electricity to the city of Auburn, N.Y., from power 
generated using biogas from a wastewater treatment plant.

Under the 15-year deal, CH Energy will construct and operate a 3 megawatt 
electricity generating plant adjacent to a municipal landfill and wastewater 
treatment facility in Auburn.

The $9.75 million project, which will include an anaerobic digester to 
convert wastewater sludge into usable gas, is scheduled to begin 
construction next spring, and expected to go online in late 2008.

"Officials with the city of Auburn have demonstrated they are forward 
thinking when it comes to meeting their energy needs, and we're excited 
about partnering with them," said Steven Lant, chairman, president and CEO 
of CH Energy.

"This investment expands upon our growing renewable energy portfolio, which 
already includes ethanol, wind energy and a biomass plant."

CH Energy said its new plant will provide enough energy to serve 2,500 
homes, and will offer the city energy savings and benefits through lower 
electric rates.

The company said that at the end of the 15-year contract, the city will have 
the opportunity to acquire the plant.

http://media.cleantech.com/2126/ch-energy-to-build-9-75m-biogas-plant-in-ny