Hartsville, SC gets biomass plant

A new biomass energy plant is planned for Sonoco's Hartsville complex which is estimated to bring $135 million investment to the state.  Peregrine Energy Corporation, who specialize in energy efficiency related projects at industrial and institutional sites, will own and construct the plant.  The 50 megawatt capacity plant takes the place of two existing 50 year old coal-fired boilers.  Peregrine will sell the plant's output to Progress Energy.  Sonoco will buy low pressure steam produced by the facility from Peregrine under a 20 year contract.  The plant is expected to employ 300 construction related jobs during development and 30 full-time workers once operational.  The plant is expected to be in operation by the fall of 2012.