East Texas Electric Cooperative (ETEC) is developing a wood-fueled biomass plant. The plant will be the first of its kind for the area, converting excess in-wood chips into renewable, carbon-neutral power for ETEC member cooperatives. When completed, the plant will have the capability of producing 50 megawatts of power.
In addition to bringing reliable, renewable power generation closer to our Cooperative members, this new facility will improve the availability of power following major outages such as those caused recently by Hurricanes Rita and Ike.
The plant will have a significant positive impact on the local economy, with over 250 jobs expected to be created during the construction phase and about 25 full-time positions needed to operate the plant upon completion. ETEC has licensed NAPCO, locally owned and operated in Woodville, as the provider of wood chips to fuel the plant. This partnership will create a market for the abundant wood by-products already available in the area. This should be beneficial for the local timber industry in these difficult economic times.
"I would like to thank the East Texas Electric Cooperative for their investment in Tyler County. Not only will this new wood chip burning plant bring much needed jobs to East Texas, it furthers the investment in alternative, renewable fuels when we need them the most.”
Congressman Kevin Brady,
R-The Woodlands
“I am glad to support ETEC's efforts to provide renewable energy through the planned construction of a biomass plant in Woodville. Adding this plant that will utilize by-products of the timber industry is a plus for our economy and a great source of reliable power for our homes and businesses.”
State Senator Robert Nichols,
R-Jacksonville