Overview
Indeck West Enfield Energy Center is a 27.5 MW biomass power plant in West Enfield, Maine, USA. Operational under owner Stored Solar J&WE, it converts waste into electricity for the regional grid.
Indeck West Enfield Energy Center is a biomass power plant located in West Enfield, Maine, United States. With a capacity of 27.5 MW, it operates within the small-to-medium scale range for biomass power generation, contributing to the region's renewable energy portfolio. The facility is owned by Stored Solar J&WE and is currently operational. The plant utilizes waste as its primary fuel, a common practice in biomass power generation that helps divert organic materials from landfills. In the United States, biomass facilities like this one are subject to environmental regulations under the Clean Air Act, including emissions standards for criteria pollutants and greenhouse gases. The technology typically involves combustion or gasification processes to generate steam for turbines. As a biomass power plant, Indeck West Enfield Energy Center plays a role in local waste management and renewable energy production. Its location in rural Maine supports the state's goals for clean energy and provides a stable power source for the surrounding community. The plant's operations align with broader efforts to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower carbon emissions.
Environmental context
The plant's use of waste as fuel reduces methane emissions from landfills and provides a renewable energy source. However, biomass combustion releases CO2, SOx, and NOx, though these are often considered biogenic. Located in a rural area of Maine, the facility's emissions are subject to state and federal air quality standards. Its moderate capacity limits local environmental impact, but proximity to populated areas is minimal.
Frequently asked questions
Indeck West Enfield Energy Center is located in West Enfield, Maine, United States, at coordinates 45.2537 N, -68.6279 W.
It is a biomass power plant that uses waste as its primary fuel to generate 27.5 MW of electricity.
The plant is owned by Stored Solar J&WE.
Biomass power plants in the US must comply with the Clean Air Act, including emissions standards for SOx, NOx, and particulate matter, as well as state-level renewable energy requirements.
Biomass power reduces landfill waste and methane emissions, provides renewable energy, and can lower carbon emissions compared to fossil fuels when sustainably sourced.