Biopower facilities emerge in Georgia

Georgia, already a national leader in turning wood into electricity, could get two more wood-burning power plants by 2015, in a plan announced Thursday by Gov. Sonny Perdue.

Tucker-based Oglethorpe Power Corp., the nation's largest power supplier to co-ops, is ready to spend about $1 billion to build the plants. They would generate enough electricity from Georgia wood to power between 100,000 and 120,000 homes. A third plant is under consideration.

Perdue called Oglethorpe's commitment a "pioneering investment that will transform the way we provide clean and renewable energy to Georgians."

Each plant is expected to employ 40 people, and spend about $30 million a year to buy trees and wood waste.

Five other energy companies, including Georgia Power, have announced plans to build six wood-to-electricity plants here. In addition, two cellulosic ethanol companies are racing to build the nation's first plant that will turn wood into fuel for cars and trucks.