Potsdam Specialty Paper says it needs federal grant for proposed US$13.7M CHP biomass conversion project at specialty paper mill in Potsdam, New York, but cannot make Dec. 31 application deadline

Bdebbie Garcia

LOS ANGELES , November 22, 2011 (Industry Intelligence) – Potsdam Specialty Paper Inc. is hoping that a federal grant expiring at year-end will be extended and help fund its US$13.7-million biomass conversion project in Potsdam, New York, reported the Watertown Daily Times on Nov. 22.

The company proposes installing a biomass system that will produce heat and electricity by burning woodchips at its Potsdam specialty paper mill. It would save an estimated $1 million a year in energy costs by providing about 25% of the mill’s power.

Rep. William L. Owens, who toured the paper mill on Monday, could help with the project’s funding if he is able to convince federal legislators to extend the federal grant application deadline, said Ronald F. Charette, mill manager.

Potsdam Specialty Paper is unable to meet the Dec. 31 deadline for submitting the application, the company said, the Daily Times reported.

Earlier this year, the Potsdam mill was awarded a $2-million grant for the biomass project from New York State. The CHP plant will generate 960 kilowatts of power, according to an April 21 report in North Country Now that was carried on IndustryIntel on April 25.

Potsdam Specialty Paper develops and manufactures specialty latex and other saturated base papers, according to its website.

The primary source of this article is the Watertown Daily Times, Watertown, New York, on Nov. 22, 2011.

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