International Paper Riegelwood Mill: Biomass Power Plant in Riegelwood, North Carolina

International Paper Riegelwood Mill is a biomass power plant located in Riegelwood, North Carolina, United States. With a capacity of 51.5 MW, it falls within the small to medium scale for biomass power generation in the country. The plant is owned and operated by International Paper Co-Riegelwood and is currently operational. The plant utilizes biomass as its primary fuel source, which typically includes wood waste, forest residues, or other organic materials. In the United States, biomass power plants are subject to emissions regulations under the Clean Air Act, including National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and state-level implementation plans. The plant's technology likely involves combustion or gasification processes to generate electricity. As a biomass facility, the Riegelwood Mill contributes to renewable energy generation in the region, supporting grid stability and local energy needs. Its operation aligns with broader efforts to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, though biomass combustion still produces CO2 and other emissions. The plant's location in a rural area may reduce direct population exposure to emissions.

The plant's biomass fuel source has a lower carbon footprint compared to coal but still emits CO2, NOx, and particulate matter. Its location in a rural area of North Carolina may reduce direct impacts on densely populated zones. The facility operates under US EPA regulations, including the Clean Air Act, which sets emission limits for biomass plants. The 51.5 MW capacity indicates a moderate scale of environmental impact relative to larger fossil fuel plants.