DTE Biomass dedicates renewable energy facility in N.C.

MT. GILEAD, N.C., Oct. 23, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- DTE Biomass Energy today celebrated the completion of its 9.6-megawatt landfill gas-to-energy project at the Uwharrie Environmental Landfill in Mt. Gilead.

DTE Biomass Energy last month started operating the facility at the landfill, which is owned and operated by Republic Services of North Carolina. Landfill gas at the site is used to generate renewable energy which is subsequently sold to Duke Energy Progress. The Uwharrie facility will more than double DTE Biomass' generation capacity in North Carolina, where it already operates six renewable energy projects.

Representatives from DTE Biomass Energy, Republic Services and Duke Energy Progress gathered to recognize their partnership that has resulted in enough renewable energy to power more than 6,000 North Carolina homes. The plant includes six Caterpillar engine generators and a staff of three.

"We have built strong relationships with several North Carolina-based contractors, Montgomery County, Republic Services and Duke Energy Progress," said Mark Cousino, DTE Biomass Energy president. "This collaboration was instrumental in the successful launch of the project and provides a solid foundation for continued growth of these partnerships moving forward."

DTE Biomass announced at the project dedication that it will fund an endowed scholarship at Montgomery Community College. The scholarship will enable students that meet the financial need criteria to be able to pursue a degree in the college's Electrical Systems Technology Program.

"The college is excited to be in this new partnership with DTE Biomass," said Mary Chesson, interim president, Montgomery Community College. "This endowed scholarship will provide continuous support for our students and is clear evidence of DTE Biomass' long-term commitment to the college and Montgomery County."

In business since 1988, DTE Biomass Energy is a wholly owned subsidiary of DTE Energy (NYSE: DTE), a diversified energy holding company involved in the development and management of energy-related businesses and services nationwide.

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SOURCE DTE Biomass Energy