GE’s Jenbacher J612 powers Phoenix Energy bioenergy project

GE Jenbacher Gas engine

GE’s Distributed Power business has signed an agreement to supply its Jenbacher J612 engines to power a series of biomass gasification projects by Phoenix Energy in California.

The projects will use GE’s ecomagination qualified Jenbacher gas engines to deliver fuel-flexible distributed power solutions to support the bioenergy plants that Phoenix Energy plans to build around the Golden State.

Phoenix Energy uses an advanced downdraft gasification technology to thermochemically convert biomass residues into a hydrogen-rich fuel used to generate electricity, heat and biochar for local users, utilities, agricultural processors, waste handlers and other industries.

GE Jenbacher Gas engineUnder the agreement, GE’s Jenbacher J612 gas engines will use the syngas produced at Phoenix Energy’s biomass gasification facilities to generate renewable electricity. Each installed gas engine will generate about 1 megawatt (MW) of reliable on-site power.

Western Energy Systems, GE’s authorized distributor for Jenbacher gas engine systems throughout the western United States in California, Oregon, Alaska and Hawaii, will supply GE’s Jenbacher J612 gas engines.

The contract also includes technical support for Phoenix Energy’s installed engine fleet.

Phoenix Energy has committed to use GE’s Jenbacher gas engines  statewide, including for its Lake Tahoe and other projects in Central and Northern California, GE said.

This project is the first in the nation designed exclusively to use forestry residues from local, state and federal fire mitigation activities, according to Phoenix Energy CEO Greg Stangl.

“We are very excited about deploying GE’s engines at our upcoming Lake Tahoe project,” said Stangl. “Not only does GE’s Jenbacher gas engine division have a wealth of experience operating on syngas, but GE stepped up to the challenge of doing this at almost 6,500 feet elevation near Lake Tahoe.”

“This type of biomass application offers our customers another innovative way to support California’s Renewable Portfolio Standard and reflects our commitment to provide solutions that support the production of cleaner, locally based energy,” said Scott Nolen, global solutions leader for GE’s Distributed Power business—GE Power & Water.

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