Massive coal-to-biomass conversion stalled

May 31, 2010 – Akron, Ohio-based FirstEnergy's plans to convert its 312 MW coal-fired R.E. Burger power plant along the Ohio River to biomass have run into some opposition according to the Akron Beacon Journal.

The Ohio Environmental Council and the Office of Ohio Consumers' Counsel are asking the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) to reject FirstEnergy's request for classification of its project as a renewable energy facility.

Both organizations are concerned about the supply and sustainability of the biomass used by the plant and suggest that FirstEnergy has not provided enough information. PUCO has yet to issue a decision on the project.