Overview
Biomass Generator #17 is a 40 MW biomass power plant in Germany, operated by Danpower Energie Service GmbH. It contributes to the country's renewable energy mix.
Biomass Generator #17 is a biomass power plant located in Germany, operated by Danpower Energie Service GmbH. With a capacity of 40 MW, it is a medium-scale facility within the German biomass sector, which plays a significant role in the country's Energiewende (energy transition) policy. The plant operates under the European Union's Industrial Emissions Directive (2010/75/EU), which sets strict emission limits for large combustion plants. As a biomass facility, it uses organic materials as fuel, which is considered carbon-neutral under EU accounting rules. The technology typically involves direct combustion or gasification to generate electricity, with modern plants employing advanced emission control systems. Biomass Generator #17 supports Germany's renewable energy targets by providing dispatchable power that can complement intermittent sources like wind and solar. Its location in eastern Germany, near the city of Leipzig, serves both industrial and residential electricity needs. The plant's operation aligns with EU and national regulations promoting sustainable biomass use.
Environmental context
Biomass power plants like Generator #17 use organic fuels, which can reduce net CO2 emissions compared to fossil fuels if sourced sustainably. However, combustion still releases particulate matter, NOx, and SOx, requiring compliance with EU emission limits under the Industrial Emissions Directive. The plant's location in a moderately populated area of Saxony necessitates adherence to local air quality standards. Sustainable biomass sourcing is critical to avoid deforestation or competition with food crops.
Frequently asked questions
Biomass Generator #17 is located in Germany, near the city of Leipzig in the state of Saxony, at coordinates 51.5152° N, 12.3248° E.
Biomass Generator #17 is a biomass power plant that generates electricity by combusting organic materials such as wood chips, agricultural residues, or energy crops.
The plant is owned and operated by Danpower Energie Service GmbH, a German energy service company specializing in biomass and combined heat and power (CHP) projects.
Biomass power plants in Germany must comply with the EU Industrial Emissions Directive (2010/75/EU) and the German Federal Immission Control Act (BImSchG), which set emission limits for pollutants like NOx, SOx, and particulate matter. They also benefit from the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG) for feed-in tariffs.
As a renewable energy source, Biomass Generator #17 provides flexible, dispatchable power that supports grid stability alongside wind and solar. It helps Germany reduce reliance on fossil fuels and meet its climate targets under the Energiewende policy.