Coffin Butte Biomass Power Plant | Oregon, USA

Coffin Butte is a biomass power plant located in Oregon, United States, with a capacity of 5.6 MW. The facility is owned and operated by Pacific Northwest Generating Coop and is currently operational. As a small-scale biomass plant, it contributes to the region's renewable energy portfolio. The plant uses waste as its primary fuel, converting it into electricity. In the United States, biomass power plants like Coffin Butte are subject to emissions regulations under the Clean Air Act, including National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and New Source Performance Standards (NSPS). The facility's small capacity suggests it may use technologies such as stoker boilers or fluidized bed combustion, which are common for waste-to-energy applications. Coffin Butte plays a role in local waste management by diverting waste from landfills while generating electricity. Its location in Oregon, a state with strong renewable energy goals, aligns with regional efforts to increase clean energy generation. The plant serves the local grid and supports community energy needs.

The plant's use of waste fuel reduces methane emissions from landfills and provides a renewable energy source. However, biomass combustion emits CO2, SOx, and NOx, which are regulated under the Clean Air Act. The facility's small capacity and location in a rural area likely minimize local air quality impacts. Oregon's renewable portfolio standards encourage such biomass generation.