Enviva to open two North Carolina pellet plants in a $214.2m investment
In North Carolina, Enviva plans to open pellet plants in Sampson and Richmond Counties by 2017, representing a $214.2 million investment by 2017. The company is eligible for up to $1.7 million in incentives for the Richmond and Sampson plants through the state’s Job Development Investment Grant Program, as the plants will create a combined 160 jobs.
As the Digest reported last year, in an assessment completed by the Biofuels Center of North Carolina, it was estimated that the state has approximately 17.6 million forested acres, more than half its land mass, and 90 percent is privately owned. With abundant wood markets and diminished manufacturing productivity, especially in North Carolina’s rural counties, the state has significant opportunities to harness its renewable, natural resources and develop new, economically sustainable economies. Enviva ranks among the world’s largest producers of wood pellets made from sawtimber byproducts, producing about 1.6 metric tons of pellets per year.
“Governor McCrory’s announcement highlights the great opportunity we see to continue to develop significant infrastructure in North Carolina,” Enviva spokeswoman Elizabeth Woodworth said in a state news release. “North Carolina’s abundant wood resources, its strong, sustainable forestry practices and robust labor force make the state a compelling place to invest and we want to thank Governor McCrory and his administration for making North Carolina a great place to do business.”
Category: Fuels
