Wayne/Pike Farm Bureau, Indian Orchard Energy to pursue $161 million Pennsylvania ethanol plant

In Pennsylvania, the Wayne/Pike Farm Bureau has taken an option on 90 acres in Texas Township, and announced plants to construct a $161 million ethanol plant. Following feasibility testing, Indian Orchard Energy would own 70-80 percent of the operation, with the remainder owned by the Wayne County Farmers’ Foundation. The plant is expected to create 45 jobs and add $140 million per year to the local economy.

Recently, Gov. Rendell reintroduced the Pennsylvania energy plan to a joint session of the state legislature. The centerpiece is a $850 million Energy Independence Fund, funded by a bond issue. $500 million would be invested in clean-energy projects such as biofuel plants and solar and advanced coal technologies, $100 million granted to Pennsylvania firms expanding clean-energy production, and money for grants to partly reimburse homeowners and small businesses for installation of solar panels, energy-efficient air-conditioners, refrigerators, and smart electricity meters. The bond would be paid off with a new energy utility tax.

The Pennsylvania plan sets a 1 billion gallon per year production target for 2017. Recently, Pennsylvania has seen biofuels plants in Lancaster experience resident protests and seen the state biodiesel business collapse through an inability to compete with Indiana subsidies.

Residents’ coalitions have been active in Pennsylvaina. A proposed plant in Lancaster County met with stiff local opposition and the site was shifted by the project developer.

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