Biomass Plant Could Produce Power by May

LUFKIN (AP) – The head of an East Texas biomass plant says the unit could begin producing power this spring by converting logging debris into electricity. Aspen Power president Danny Vines says the plant in Lufkin is expected to do its first burning during the final commission phase scheduled for May. The Lufkin Daily News reported Friday that Vines, in a telephone interview, said electrical work at the 50-megawatt plant is nearly finished and the operating platform is “going well.” Aspen Power, touted as the first biomass plant of its kind in the state, faces testing of emissions levels to abide by Texas Commission on Environmental Quality standards.