CES to buy idled biomass plant in California under carbon removal project

California-based technology company Clean Energy Systems Inc (CES) has agreed to acquire an idled biomass power plant with the idea of converting the site into a Biomass Carbon Removal and Storage (BiCRS) facility.

The company, which specialises in the development and deployment of carbon-reducing energy systems, has signed a deal to buy the Madera biomass power plant in Madera County, California, for an undisclosed amount. Closing of the transaction is subject to continued due diligence and is expected early next year.

Once it takes possession of the facility, CES will work with its partners to evaluate the site for the conversion project using its proprietary oxy-fuel technology that contributes to cost-effective carbon capture. If suitable, the plant will be converting agricultural waste biomass sourced from local farms, into renewable synthesis gas. The gas will then be mixed with oxygen in a combustor to generate electricity and/or hydrogen.

CES claims that over 99% of the carbon from the process will be captured and injected underground into nearby deep geologic formations for safe and permanent storage. It is estimated that the converted facility will eliminate some 600,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) per year. At the same time, it will improve air quality by using around 400,000 tonnes of agricultural waste annually that would have otherwise been burned.

CES is currently developing similar projects Fresno and Kern Counties.

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