It was reported today that a new biomass power plant would be constructed in China in Changchun, Jilin province. The Huaneng Changchun Biomass power plant will have a maximum capacity of 50MW and is expected to be operational by August 2009.

The fuel source for the biomass power plant will mainly be crop straw with an expected annual consumption of around 200,000 tonnes required. This crop straw was burned on site on farmland in the area which contributed to the air pollution. Instead, the local farmers will earn an extra 50 million yuan seeling the straw to the power plant and will also benefit by receiving the resultant straw ash back as a fertilizer.

Investments of around $43 million has already been received to fund the project which could generate as much as 180 million kWh of electricity annually.