We Energies Applies For $250M Biomass Power Plant

WAUSAU, Wis. (WTAQ) - Wisconsin’s largest electric utility has asked state officials for the okay to build a quarter-billion dollar biomass power plant south of Wausau. We Energies first announced the project a few months ago, and it just filed an application for it with the state Public Service Commission. The plant would provide steam to the Domtar paper mill in Rothschild, possibly adding 150 jobs.

And We Energies would work with Domtar to burn wood waste in the new power plant. That waste would come from sawmills and loggers. It would help We Energies follow the current law that requires 10 percent of Wisconsin’s electricity to come from renewable sources by 2015. If the state gives its blessing, We Energies could start construction next year.