The term "biomass" refers to organic materials derived from plants or animals. Biofuels are energy-containing fuels derived from biomass, and "bioenergy" is energy derived from biofuels. The source of biomass energy is the sun, as plants use photosynthesis to convert sunlight, carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, and water into the organic (carbon-chain) compounds that comprise the plant's physical structure. When animals consume plant material, they convert plant biomass into their own bodily tissue and into the metabolic energy necessary to gather food, procreate, and conduct other activities necessary for survival.

Humans can use biomass to produce energy for economically valued purposes. The vast majority of biomass energy is derived from plant material, which can be burned directly or converted into liquid or gaseous fuels. (For more information, see http://www1.eere.energy.gov/biomass/). According to the US Department of Energy, bioenergy is responsible for approximately 3 percent of US primary energy production.

Direct Use

In Virginia, the majority of bioenergy usage occurs as direct combustion of plant products, primarily wood fuels. Several state-operated facilities burn wood residue so that they can save on heating costs. Several in-state industrial facilities burn wood residue for space heating, process heat, and electrical generation; most of this wood-derived fuel is waste from other industrial processes that would require disposal if not used as a source of energy. Many homeowners use biomass energy in wood stoves to save home-heating costs, especially in the state's forested western areas.

Fuel Conversion

Some conversion of biomass to more concentrated energy sources also occurs. For example, methane gas is produced from the below-ground decomposition of organic wastes (such as discarded food waste) and extracted from landfills throughout the state. Methane (CH4) is the primary molecular component of natural gas. Because landfill gases generally do not meet the energy-content and purity standards for commercially distributed natural gas, they are often used as a fuel directly by nearby public or industrial facilities.

Liquid fuels can also be manufactured from biomass products. For example, ethanol derived from corn is used a gasoline additive throughout the nation. 

Research on Future Biomass Uses

Future advancements in technologies for using biomass energy are possible. For example, even today, alternative energy enthusiasts are able to convert diesel-powered automobiles to run on fuels derived from vegetable oils. At the national level, scientists are working to develop plants that can produce oils with energy content and properties more closely adapted to the requirements of advanced diesel engines. These plant varieties are also being developed in hopes that they can thrive on low-productivity soils that are now not useful for agricultural production. 

Research is being conducted throughout the world, including Virginia universities, on the development of more efficient systems for converting the sun's energy to useful energy products through photosynthesis and conversion of plant-based products. For example, scientists at Virginia Tech's Bio-based Materials/Recycling Center are investigating the use of processed biomass products to replace petroleum as a feedstock for manufacturing certain products currently used to produce plastics.

Tables

Energy Source Total Conventional Hydroelectric Wood/Wood Waste Municipal Waste
2007 933 672 83 178
2006 843 669 80 95
2005 831 658 80 93
2004 931 754 84 93
2003 952 776 83 93
2002 926 754 80 93
2001 930 754 84 93
2000 972 758 85 130
1999 1,399 763 424 212
1998 1,399 763 424 212
1997 1,381 768 395 218
1996 1,359 806 335 218
1995 1,376 807 406 163
1994 1,389 785 440 163
1993 1,302 786 356 159
1992 1,290 781 356 153
1991 1,278 - 346 -
1990 1,197 - 268 -

Notes:

  • Totals may not equal sum of components due to independent rounding.
  • "-" = Data withheld to avoid disclosure or proprietary company data.
  • Hydroelectric pumped storage is excluded, because it is usually based on non-renewable energy sources.

    • Source:
  • Tables 21-26, Renewable Energy Trends 2004 Edition, EIA.
  • Table C7, Table C10, Renewable Energy Annual, EIA.

    • Energy Source 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990
    Total 680 657 641 575 591 625 537 527 514 433
    Conventional Hydroelectric 21 21 29 21 21 22 22 18 W W
    Wood/Wood Waste 443 424 395 335 406 440 356 356 346 268
    Municipal Waste 216 212 218 218 163 163 159 153 W W

    Notes:

  • This data has been discontinued.
  • Wood/ wood waste Includes wood, wood waste, wood liquors, peat, railroad ties, utility poles, and wood sludge.
  • Municipal waste includes municipal solid waste, landfill gas, digester gas, and methane.
  • Totals may not equal sum of components due to independent rounding.

    • Source:
  • Sources: Energy Information Administration, Form EIA-860B, "Annual Electric Generator Report - Nonutility."

    • Published in:
  • Renewable Energy Annual 1999, 2000, EIA

    • Energy Source Total Conventional Hydroelectric Municipal Waste Wood and Wood Waste Other Waste
    2007 3,813,835 1,248,264 752,928 1,792,326 20,317
    2006 3,809,644 1,351,194 661,829 1,780,043 16,578
    2005 4,462,957 1,484,352 1,131,845 1,799,862 46,898
    2004 4,537,243 1,583,049 1,148,351 1,764,016 41,827
    2003 4,495,864 1,781,569 1,099,527 1,587,545 27,223
    2002 3,386,411 868,216 1,106,144 1,407,922 4,129
    2001 3,158,102 1,014,222 990,877 1,148,106 4,896
    2000 2,856,083 711,984 460,980 1,677,170 5,950
    1999 620,073 620,073 - - -
    1998 4,023,956 1,284,026 1,127,137 1,605,984 6,809
    1997 3,742,009 W 1,105,401 1,563,165 W
    1996 3,912,845 W 993,800 1,473,899 W
    1995 3,274,393 W 738,604 1,535,635 W
    1994 3,310,045 W 695,738 1,462,429 W
    1993 3,130,620 W 453,544 1,357,766 W
    1992 3,245,501 W 811,271 1,341,346 W
    1991 3,071,227 1,080,741 W 1,238,736 W
    1990 3,130,447 W W 1,221,898 -

    Notes:

  • Municipal Waste includes landfill gas and MSW biogenic (paper and paper board, wood, food, leather, textiles and yard trimmings).
  • Totals may not equal sum of components due to independent rounding.
  • W = Withheld to avoid disclosure of individual company data.
  • Hydroelectric pumped storage is excluded, because it is usually based on non-renewable energy sources.


    • Source:
  • Table20, Renewable Energy Trends 2004 Edition, C6, and C3, Renewable Energy Annual, EIA.
  • Table is sourced from Energy Information Administration, Form EIA-923, "Power Plant Operations Report," and predecessor forms: Form EIA-906, "Power Plant Report," and Form EIA-920, "Combined Heat and Power Plant Report."

    • Energy Source 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990
    Total 2,937 2,813  2,802  2,574  2,357  2,239  1,883  2,228  2,059  1,869
    Conventional Hydroelectric 62 73  W W  W  W  W  W  69  W 
    Municipal Waste 1,141 1,127  1,105  994  739  696  454  811  W  W 
    Wood and Wood Waste 1,728 1,606  1,563  1,474  1,536  1,462  1,358  1,341  1,239  1,222 
    Other Waste 7 7  W W  W  W  W  W  W  - 

    Notes:

  • This data has been discontinued.
  • Municipal waste includes municipal solid waste, landfill gas, digester gas, and methane.
  • Other waste includes agricultural waste, straw, tires, fish oils, sludge waste, and waste alcohol.
  • W = Withheld to avoid disclosure of individual company data.
  • Totals may not equal sum of components due to independent rounding.

    • Sources:
  • Energy Information Administration, Form EIA-867, "Annual Nonutility Power Producer Report."

    • Published in:
  • Renewable Energy Annual, EIA.

    • Fuel Utility Location Facility Status Units Total Capacity (kW)
    Total for Virginia 23  678,220
    Biogas Total: 5 19,620
      Ingenco Amelia Amelia Landfill OP   4,200
    Neo Corp. Prince William Prince William Landfill OP 1 2,000
    Landfill Energy Systems, Inc. Lorton Lorton Phase I OP 1 3,200
    Landfill Energy Systems, Inc. Lorton Lorton Phase II OP 1 3,200
    Browning-Ferris Industries Richmond Richmond Landfill OP 1 3,000
    U.S. Energy Systems Inc./Clinergy Solutions Suffolk Suffolk Landfill OP 1 3,200
    Virginia Beach Virginia Beach Virginia Beach LF #2 Mount Trashmore II OP   820
    Municipal Solid Waste Total: 4 215,500
      City of Harrisonburg Harrisonburg Harrisonburg Resource Recovery OP 1 2,500
    Ogden Corp. Alexandria Alexandria/Arlington Resource Recovery OP 1 29,000
    Ogden Corp. Lorton I-95 Resource Recovery OP 1 124,000
    Southeastern Public Service Authority Portsmouth SE Tidewater Energy Project OP 1 60,000
    Timber Residues Total: 14 443,100
      Appalachian Power Bassett Bassett Table Co. SB 1 1,500
    Georgia Pacific Co. Big Island Big Island Wood OP 1 7,500
    Westvaco Covington Covington Facility OP 1 71,000
    Westvaco Covington Covington Facility OS 1 5,500
    Westvaco Covington Covington Facility SB 1 21,000
    International Paper Co. Franklin Franklin Fine Paper OP 1 76,000
    International Paper Co. Franklin Franklin Fine Paper OS 1 11,300
    International Paper Co. Franklin Franklin Fine Paper SB 1 9,400
    FPL Energy Hurt Multitrade SB 1 90,000
    Scott Wood Amelia Scott Wood OP 2 2,700
    St. Laurent Paper Products Corp. West Point St. Laurent Paper Products OP 1 96,000
    Stone Container Corp. Hopewell Stone OP 1 47,600
      Dinwiddie Sonoco OP 1 3,600

    Notes:

    Includes units classified as operating status (OP = Operating; OS = out of Service; SB = standby; TS = Testing) only

    Sources:

     

  • Number of Operating Plants with Total Capacity (kW) by State and Technology, National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), REPiS.

    •  

     

    Project/Plant Name Location Year Operational Status Nameplate Capacity (kW) Owner/Operator/Developer Power Purchaser Notes
    Biomass
    COVINGTON FACILITY COVINGTON 1951 Operating 10500 WESTVACO VIRGINIA POWER CO.  
    FRANKLIN FINE PAPER DIVISION FRANKLIN 1958 Operating 15600 INTERNATIONAL PAPER CO. VIRGINIA POWER CO.  
    ST LAURENT PAPER PRODUCTS CORP. WEST POINT 1960 Operating 10000 ST LAURENT PAPER PRODUCTS CORP. VIRGINIA POWER CO.  
    BIG ISLAND (WOOD) BIG ISLAND 1965 Operating 7500 GEORGIA PACIFIC CORP. APPALACHIAN POWER CO.  
    ST LAURENT PAPER PRODUCTS CORP. WEST POINT 1968 Operating 25000 ST LAURENT PAPER PRODUCTS CORP. VIRGINIA POWER CO.  
    FRANKLIN FINE PAPER DIVISION FRANKLIN 1970 Operating 32400 INTERNATIONAL PAPER CO. VIRGINIA POWER CO.  
    FRANKLIN FINE PAPER DIVISION FRANKLIN 1977 Operating 28000 INTERNATIONAL PAPER CO. VIRGINIA POWER CO.  
    ST LAURENT PAPER PRODUCTS CORP. WEST POINT 1977 Operating 15000 ST LAURENT PAPER PRODUCTS CORP. VIRGINIA POWER CO.  
    COVINGTON FACILITY COVINGTON 1980 Operating 28000 WESTVACO VIRGINIA POWER CO.  
    STONE - HOPEWELL HOPEWELL 1980 Operating 47600 STONE CONTAINER CORP. VIRGINIA POWER CO. System Type is an estimate; Fuel Percent are estimates
    HARRISONBURG RESOURCE RECOVERY FACILITY HARRISONURG 1982 Operating 2500 CITY OF HARRISONBURG HARRISONBURG ELECTRIC COMMISSION  
    SCOTT WOOD 1 AMELIA 1985 Operating 1400 SCOTT WOOD VIRGINIA POWER CO.  
    ST LAURENT PAPER PRODUCTS CORP. WEST POINT 1985 Operating 46000 ST LAURENT PAPER PRODUCTS CORP. VIRGINIA POWER CO.  
    ALEXANDRIA/ARLINGTON R.R. FACILITY ALEXANDRIA 1987 Operating 14500 OGDEN CORP. VIRGINIA POWER CO. System Type is an estimate
    ALEXANDRIA/ARLINGTON R.R. FACILITY ALEXANDRIA 1987 Operating 14500 OGDEN CORP. VIRGINIA POWER CO.  
    SOUTHEAST TIDEWATER ENERGY PROJECT PORTSMOUTH 1987 Operating 20000 SOUTHEASTERN PUBLIC SERVICE AUTHORITY (US NAVY PUBLIC WORKS) VIRGINIA POWER CO.  
    SOUTHEAST TIDEWATER ENERGY PROJECT PORTSMOUTH 1987 Operating 20000 SOUTHEASTERN PUBLIC SERVICE AUTHORITY (US NAVY PUBLIC WORKS) VIRGINIA POWER CO.  
    SOUTHEAST TIDEWATER ENERGY PROJECT PORTSMOUTH 1987 Operating 20000 SOUTHEASTERN PUBLIC SERVICE AUTHORITY (US NAVY PUBLIC WORKS) VIRGINIA POWER CO.  
    COVINGTON FACILITY COVINGTON 1989 Operating 32500 WESTVACO VIRGINIA POWER CO.  
    SCOTT WOOD 2 AMELIA 1989 Operating 1300 SCOTT WOOD VIRGINIA POWER CO. System Type is an estimate
    I-95 ENERGY/RESOURCE RECOVERY FACILITY LORTON 1990 Operating 62000 OGDEN CORP. VIRGINIA POWER CO. System Type is an estimate
    I-95 ENERGY/RESOURCE RECOVERY FACILITY LORTON 1990 Operating 62000 OGDEN CORP. VIRGINIA POWER CO.  
    LORTON (I-95) PHASE I LORTON 1992 Operating 800 LANDFILL ENERGY SYSTEMS, INC. (MICHIGAN COGENERATION SYSTEMS) VIRGINIA POWER CO.  
    LORTON (I-95) PHASE I LORTON 1992 Operating 800 LANDFILL ENERGY SYSTEMS, INC. (MICHIGAN COGENERATION SYSTEMS) VIRGINIA POWER CO.  
    LORTON (I-95) PHASE I LORTON 1992 Operating 800 LANDFILL ENERGY SYSTEMS, INC. (MICHIGAN COGENERATION SYSTEMS) VIRGINIA POWER CO.  
    LORTON (I-95) PHASE I LORTON 1992 Operating 800 LANDFILL ENERGY SYSTEMS, INC. (MICHIGAN COGENERATION SYSTEMS) VIRGINIA POWER CO.  
    LORTON (I-95) PHASE II LORTON 1993 Operating 800 LANDFILL ENERGY SYSTEMS, INC. (MICHIGAN COGENERATION SYSTEMS) VIRGINIA POWER CO.  
    LORTON (I-95) PHASE II LORTON 1993 Operating 800 LANDFILL ENERGY SYSTEMS, INC. (MICHIGAN COGENERATION SYSTEMS) VIRGINIA POWER CO.  
    LORTON (I-95) PHASE II LORTON 1993 Operating 800 LANDFILL ENERGY SYSTEMS, INC. (MICHIGAN COGENERATION SYSTEMS) VIRGINIA POWER CO.  
    LORTON (I-95) PHASE II LORTON 1993 Operating 800 LANDFILL ENERGY SYSTEMS, INC. (MICHIGAN COGENERATION SYSTEMS) VIRGINIA POWER CO.  
    RICHMOND LANDFILL GAS PROJECT RICHMOND 1993 Operating 1000 BROWNING-FERRIS INDUSTRIES (ALTERNATIVE POWER LP) VIRGINIA POWER CO. 3 ENGINES
    RICHMOND LANDFILL GAS PROJECT RICHMOND 1993 Operating 1000 BROWNING-FERRIS INDUSTRIES (ALTERNATIVE POWER LP) VIRGINIA POWER CO.  
    RICHMOND LANDFILL GAS PROJECT RICHMOND 1993 Operating 1000 BROWNING-FERRIS INDUSTRIES (ALTERNATIVE POWER LP) VIRGINIA POWER CO.  
    SUFFOLK LANDFILL GAS PROJECT (SPSA LANDFILL) SUFFOLK 1994 Operating 800 U.S. ENERGY SYSTEMS INC./CINERGY SOLUTIONS (SUFFOLK ENERGY PARTNERS) VIRGINIA POWER CO. 4 ENGINES.
    SUFFOLK LANDFILL GAS PROJECT (SPSA LANDFILL) SUFFOLK 1994 Operating 800 U.S. ENERGY SYSTEMS INC./CINERGY SOLUTIONS (SUFFOLK ENERGY PARTNERS) VIRGINIA POWER CO.  
    SUFFOLK LANDFILL GAS PROJECT (SPSA LANDFILL) SUFFOLK 1994 Operating 800 U.S. ENERGY SYSTEMS INC./CINERGY SOLUTIONS (SUFFOLK ENERGY PARTNERS) VIRGINIA POWER CO.  
    SUFFOLK LANDFILL GAS PROJECT (SPSA LANDFILL) SUFFOLK 1994 Operating 800 U.S. ENERGY SYSTEMS INC./CINERGY SOLUTIONS (SUFFOLK ENERGY PARTNERS) VIRGINIA POWER CO.  
    PRINCE WILLIAM LANDFILL INDEPENDENT HILL 1998 Operating 1000 NEO CORP. OLD DOMINION ELECTRIC COOP  
    PRINCE WILLIAM LANDFILL INDEPENDENT HILL 1998 Operating 1000 NEO CORP. OLD DOMINION ELECTRIC COOP  
    Virginia Beach LF #2 Mount Trashmore II Virginia Beach 2001 Operating 820 Virginia Beach -- Left Empty --  
    Amelia Landfill Amelia 2002 Operating 4200 INGENCO -- Left Empty --  
    Fauquier County Landfill Warrenton 2004 Operating 1025 Commonwealth Green Energy Pepco Energy Services The power plant is expected to expand to 3 MW in 10 years.
    SUNOCO - BOYDTYN PLANK RD. DINWIDDIE   Operating 3600 SUNOCO VIRGINIA POWER CO.  
    Project/Plant Name Location Year Operational Status Nameplate Capacity (kW) Owner/Operator/Developer Power Purchaser Notes
    Hydro
    REUSENS LYNCHBURG 1903 Operating 2500 APPALACHIAN POWER CO. APPALACHIAN POWER CO.  
    REUSENS LYNCHBURG 1903 Operating 2500 APPALACHIAN POWER CO. APPALACHIAN POWER CO.  
    REUSENS LYNCHBURG 1903 Operating 2500 APPALACHIAN POWER CO. APPALACHIAN POWER CO.  
    REUSENS LYNCHBURG 1903 Operating 2500 APPALACHIAN POWER CO. APPALACHIAN POWER CO.  
    REUSENS LYNCHBURG 1903 Operating 2500 APPALACHIAN POWER CO. APPALACHIAN POWER CO.  
    BUCK   1912 Operating 2835 APPALACHIAN POWER CO. APPALACHIAN POWER CO.  
    BUCK   1912 Operating 2835 APPALACHIAN POWER CO. APPALACHIAN POWER CO.  
    BUCK   1912 Operating 2835 APPALACHIAN POWER CO. APPALACHIAN POWER CO.  
    BYLLESBY 2   1912 Operating 5400 APPALACHIAN POWER CO. APPALACHIAN POWER CO.  
    BYLLESBY 2   1912 Operating 5400 APPALACHIAN POWER CO. APPALACHIAN POWER CO.  
    BYLLESBY 2   1912 Operating 5400 APPALACHIAN POWER CO. APPALACHIAN POWER CO.  
    BYLLESBY 2   1912 Operating 5400 APPALACHIAN POWER CO. APPALACHIAN POWER CO.  
    HALIFAX HALIFAX 1915 Operating 900 SYNERGICS INC. VIRGINIA POWER CO.  
    HALIFAX HALIFAX 1915 Operating 500 SYNERGICS INC. VIRGINIA POWER CO.  
    HALIFAX HALIFAX 1915 Operating 500 SYNERGICS INC. VIRGINIA POWER CO.  
    BIG ISLAND BIG ISLAND 1920 Operating 300 GEORGIA PACIFIC CORP. APPALACHIAN POWER CO. May include Big Island, Colemans Falls and Holcomb Rock projects. Owner may also known as Nekoosa Packaging Corp.
    BIG ISLAND BIG ISLAND 1920 Operating 300 GEORGIA PACIFIC CORP. APPALACHIAN POWER CO.  
    BIG ISLAND BIG ISLAND 1920 Operating 600 GEORGIA PACIFIC CORP. APPALACHIAN POWER CO.  
    NEWPORT   1923 Operating 1400 POTOMAC ELECTRIC COMPANY POTOMAC ELECTRIC COMPANY  
    NEWPORT   1923 Operating 400 POTOMAC ELECTRIC COMPANY POTOMAC ELECTRIC COMPANY  
    WARREN   1924 Operating 850 POTOMAC EDISON COMPANY POTOMAC EDISON COMPANY  
    WARREN   1924 Operating 250 POTOMAC EDISON COMPANY POTOMAC EDISON COMPANY  
    NEWPORT   1925 Operating 600 POTOMAC ELECTRIC COMPANY POTOMAC ELECTRIC COMPANY  
    SHENANDOAH   1925 Operating 110 POTOMAC EDISON COMPANY POTOMAC EDISON COMPANY  
    SHENANDOAH   1925 Operating 250 POTOMAC EDISON COMPANY POTOMAC EDISON COMPANY  
    LURAY   1927 Operating 1600 POTOMAC EDISON COMPANY POTOMAC EDISON COMPANY  
    LURAY   1927 Operating 400 POTOMAC EDISON COMPANY POTOMAC EDISON COMPANY  
    LURAY   1927 Operating 600 POTOMAC EDISON COMPANY POTOMAC EDISON COMPANY  
    WARREN   1928 Operating 250 POTOMAC EDISON COMPANY POTOMAC EDISON COMPANY  
    SHENANDOAH   1929 Operating 250 POTOMAC EDISON COMPANY POTOMAC EDISON COMPANY  
    SHENANDOAH   1929 Operating 250 POTOMAC EDISON COMPANY POTOMAC EDISON COMPANY  
    CUSHAW   1930 Operating 1500 VIRGINIA POWER VIRGINIA POWER CO.  
    CUSHAW   1930 Operating 1500 VIRGINIA POWER VIRGINIA POWER CO.  
    CUSHAW   1930 Operating 1500 VIRGINIA POWER VIRGINIA POWER CO.  
    CUSHAW   1930 Operating 1500 VIRGINIA POWER VIRGINIA POWER CO.  
    CUSHAW   1930 Operating 1500 VIRGINIA POWER VIRGINIA POWER CO.  
    MARTINSVILLE MARTINSVILLE 1932 Operating 300 MARTINSVILLE MUN ELECTRIC DEPT MARTINSVILLE MUN ELECTRIC DEPT  
    MARTINSVILLE MARTINSVILLE 1932 Operating 1000 MARTINSVILLE MUN ELECTRIC DEPT MARTINSVILLE MUN ELECTRIC DEPT  
    FRIES HYDROELECTRIC FRIES 1933 Operating 2500 CHI ENERGY, INC. (AQUENERGY SYSTEMS) APPALACHIAN POWER CO.  
    FRIES HYDROELECTRIC FRIES 1933 Operating 1000 CHI ENERGY, INC. (AQUENERGY SYSTEMS) APPALACHIAN POWER CO.  
    FRIES HYDROELECTRIC FRIES 1933 Operating 300 CHI ENERGY, INC. (AQUENERGY SYSTEMS) APPALACHIAN POWER CO.  
    RADFORD RADFORD 1934 Operating 1000 RADFORD ELECTRIC DEPARTMENT RADFORD ELECTRIC DEPARTMENT  
    MEADOW CREEK   1938 Operating 300 CRAIG-BOTETOURT ELECTRIC COOP CRAIG-BOTETOURT ELECTRIC COOP  
    PINNACLES DANVILLE 1938 Operating 3375 DANVILLE ELECTRIC DEPT. (CITY OF) DANVILLE ELECTRIC DEPT. (CITY OF)  
    PINNACLES DANVILLE 1938 Operating 3375 DANVILLE ELECTRIC DEPT. (CITY OF) DANVILLE ELECTRIC DEPT. (CITY OF)  
    PINNACLES DANVILLE 1938 Operating 3375 DANVILLE ELECTRIC DEPT. (CITY OF) DANVILLE ELECTRIC DEPT. (CITY OF)  
    CLAYTOR   1939 Operating 18750 APPALACHIAN POWER CO. APPALACHIAN POWER CO.  
    CLAYTOR   1939 Operating 18750 APPALACHIAN POWER CO. APPALACHIAN POWER CO.  
    CLAYTOR   1939 Operating 18750 APPALACHIAN POWER CO. APPALACHIAN POWER CO.  
    CLAYTOR   1939 Operating 18750 APPALACHIAN POWER CO. APPALACHIAN POWER CO.  
    FALLING SPRING HOT SPRINGS 1949 Operating 500 BARC ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE BARC ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE  
    LOWER OCCOQUAN   1950 Operating 350 FAIRFAX COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY -- Company Unknown --  
    JOHN H KERR BOYDTOM 1952 Operating 12000 USCE-WILMINGTON DISTRICT USCE-WILMINGTON DISTRICT  
    JOHN H KERR BOYDTOM 1952 Operating 32000 USCE-WILMINGTON DISTRICT USCE-WILMINGTON DISTRICT  
    UPPER OCCOQUAN   1952 Operating 1000 FAIRFAX COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY -- Company Unknown --  
    JOHN H KERR BOYDTOM 1953 Operating 32000 USCE-WILMINGTON DISTRICT USCE-WILMINGTON DISTRICT  
    JOHN H KERR BOYDTOM 1953 Operating 32000 USCE-WILMINGTON DISTRICT USCE-WILMINGTON DISTRICT  
    JOHN H KERR BOYDTOM 1953 Operating 32000 USCE-WILMINGTON DISTRICT USCE-WILMINGTON DISTRICT  
    JOHN H KERR BOYDTOM 1953 Operating 32000 USCE-WILMINGTON DISTRICT USCE-WILMINGTON DISTRICT  
    JOHN H KERR BOYDTOM 1953 Operating 32000 USCE-WILMINGTON DISTRICT USCE-WILMINGTON DISTRICT  
    PHILPOTT BASSETT 1953 Operating 6800 USCE-WILMINGTON DISTRICT USCE-WILMINGTON DISTRICT  
    PHILPOTT BASSETT 1953 Operating 6800 USCE-WILMINGTON DISTRICT USCE-WILMINGTON DISTRICT  
    PHILPOTT BASSETT 1953 Operating 600 USCE-WILMINGTON DISTRICT USCE-WILMINGTON DISTRICT  
    NIAGARA   1954 Operating 1200 APPALACHIAN POWER CO. APPALACHIAN POWER CO.  
    NIAGARA   1954 Operating 1200 APPALACHIAN POWER CO. APPALACHIAN POWER CO.  
    LEESVILLE   1964 Operating 20000 APPALACHIAN POWER CO. APPALACHIAN POWER CO.  
    LEESVILLE   1964 Operating 20000 APPALACHIAN POWER CO. APPALACHIAN POWER CO.  
    SMITH MOUNTAIN   1965 Operating 66025 APPALACHIAN POWER CO. APPALACHIAN POWER CO.  
    SMITH MOUNTAIN   1965 Operating 150100 APPALACHIAN POWER CO. APPALACHIAN POWER CO.  
    SMITH MOUNTAIN   1966 Operating 150100 APPALACHIAN POWER CO. APPALACHIAN POWER CO.  
    SMITH MOUNTAIN   1966 Operating 66025 APPALACHIAN POWER CO. APPALACHIAN POWER CO.  
    SMITH MOUNTAIN   1980 Operating 115344 APPALACHIAN POWER CO. APPALACHIAN POWER CO.  
    FRIES HYDROELECTRIC FRIES 1981 Operating 3000 CHI ENERGY, INC. (AQUENERGY SYSTEMS) APPALACHIAN POWER CO.  
    BURNSHIRE DAM   1982 Operating 432 GILBERT, BRITT R. & SCULLY, TOM G. VIRGINIA POWER CO.  
    HARRIS BRIDGE   1982 Operating 400 ROCKFISH CORP INC. VIRGINIA POWER CO.  
    BIG ISLAND BIG ISLAND 1983 Operating 500 GEORGIA PACIFIC CORP. APPALACHIAN POWER CO.  
    BIG ISLAND BIG ISLAND 1983 Operating 500 GEORGIA PACIFIC CORP. APPALACHIAN POWER CO.  
    CHAPMAN DAM   1983 Operating 300 SHENANDOAH HYDRO CO. VIRGINIA POWER CO.  
    COINERS MILL DAM   1983 Operating 40 DENNY, RONALD W.& KATHYRN C. VIRGINIA POWER CO.  
    GROVE MILL   1984 Operating 40 ROCKFISH CORP INC. VIRGINIA POWER CO.  
    OLD MILL DAM   1984 Operating 150 ROCKFISH CORP INC. VIRGINIA POWER CO.  
    BATH COUNTY   1985 Operating 350100 VIRGINIA POWER VIRGINIA POWER CO.  
    BATH COUNTY   1985 Operating 350100 VIRGINIA POWER VIRGINIA POWER CO.  
    BATH COUNTY   1985 Operating 350100 VIRGINIA POWER VIRGINIA POWER CO.  
    BATH COUNTY   1985 Operating 350100 VIRGINIA POWER VIRGINIA POWER CO.  
    BATH COUNTY   1985 Operating 350100 VIRGINIA POWER VIRGINIA POWER CO.  
    BATH COUNTY   1985 Operating 350100 VIRGINIA POWER VIRGINIA POWER CO.  
    MOOMAWS DAM   1985 Operating 475 MOOMAWS DAM HYDRO CORP. -- Company Unknown --  
    EMPORIA HYDRO EMPORIA 1986 Operating 2000 SYNERGICS INC. VIRGINIA POWER CO.  
    EMPORIA HYDRO EMPORIA 1986 Operating 400 SYNERGICS INC. VIRGINIA POWER CO.  
    RAPIDAN MILL   1986 Operating 105 HALL, MELVIN R., III VIRGINIA POWER CO.  
    WALKER MILL (SCHUYLER)   1986 Operating 425 HYDRO-NELSON LTD PARTNERSHIP APPALACHIAN POWER CO.  
    WHITTLES MILL   1986 Operating 175 ROCKFISH CORP INC. VIRGINIA POWER CO.  
    BROAD RUN   1987 Operating 1000 MANASSAS, CITY OF -- Company Unknown --  
    SNOWDEN (BEDFORD) BEDFORD 1987 Operating 2500 BEDFORD MUNICIPAL ELEC DEPT BEDFORD MUNICIPAL ELEC DEPT  
    SNOWDEN (BEDFORD) BEDFORD 1987 Operating 2500 BEDFORD MUNICIPAL ELEC DEPT BEDFORD MUNICIPAL ELEC DEPT  
    LAKEVIEW DAM   1988 Operating 400 SYNERGICS INC. VIRGINIA POWER CO.  
    SOUTH RIVANNA   1988 Operating 1070 RIVANNA WATER & SEWER -- Company Unknown --  
    SCHOOLFIELD DANVILLE 1990 Operating 1500 STS HYDROPOWER LTD. (DAN RIVER INC.) VIRGINIA POWER CO.  
    SCHOOLFIELD DANVILLE 1990 Operating 1500 STS HYDROPOWER LTD. (DAN RIVER INC.) VIRGINIA POWER CO.  
    SCHOOLFIELD DANVILLE 1990 Operating 1500 STS HYDROPOWER LTD. (DAN RIVER INC.) VIRGINIA POWER CO.  
    BATTERSEA   1991 Operating 60 GREENWOOD IRONWORKS -- Company Unknown --  
    APPOMATTOX RIVER WATER AUTHORITY WATER PROJECT PETERSBURG 1993 Operating 3000 CMS GENERATION CO. (APPOMATTOX RIVER ASSOCIATES) VIRGINIA POWER CO.  
    HARVELL   1993 Operating 750 GREENWOOD IRONWORKS -- Company Unknown --  
    SCHUYLER 1 & 2   1921 Unknown 780 GEORGIA MARBLE CO. -- Company Unknown --  
    MOUTH OF WILSON   1945 Unknown 250 FIELDS MANUFACTURING CO. -- Company Unknown --  
    ADVANCE MILLS   1984 Unknown 100 CALLIS ATKINS VIRGINIA POWER CO.  
    COLUMBIA MILLS DAM   1984 Unknown 450 MITEX INC. VIRGINIA POWER CO.  
    Project/Plant Name Location Year Operational Status Nameplate Capacity (kW) Owner/Operator/Developer Power Purchaser Notes
    Photovoltaic
    VA Beach Residence VA Beach 1985 Operating 4 Priv Individual VIRGINIA POWER NEMS Bldgs; ; Cell, module and tracking not listed
    Business McClean 1986 Operating 2 -- Left Empty -- VIRGINIA POWER NEMS Bldgs; ;
    Va Tech Blacksburg 1997 Operating 2 -- Left Empty -- -- Left Empty -- NEMS Bldgs; ;
    Pentagon I Arlington 1999 Operating 15 -- Left Empty -- Pepco Energy Services NEMS Bldgs; ; Ascension Technologies
    Residential Arlington 1999 Operating 1.78 -- Left Empty -- VIRGINIA POWER Team-Up; ; United Solar
    UVA   1999 Operating 50 -- Left Empty -- VIRGINIA POWER NEMS Bldgs; ;
    BARNS AT FRANKLIN PARK PURCELLVILLE 2000 Operating 70 Old Mill Power Company -- Company Unknown -- 2,050 BP Solarex modules.
    Virginia High Tech Park Point of Cape Charles 2000 Operating 35 -- Left Empty -- Delmarva Power and Light Team-Up; ; PowerLight
    Duffield Primary School Duffield 2001 Operating 8.2 TENNESSEE VALLEY AUTHORITY Powell Valley Electric Coop  
    -- Left Empty -- Arlington 2002 Operating 1.1 -- Left Empty -- Xcel Energy  
    -- Left Empty -- Churchville 2002 Operating 1.443 -- Left Empty -- Xcel Energy Vestas turbines.
    -- Left Empty -- Harrisonburg 2002 Operating 10 -- Left Empty -- VIRGINIA POWER  
    -- Left Empty -- Lexington 2002 Operating 1 -- Left Empty -- Shenandoah Valley Coop  
    -- Left Empty -- Loudon City 2002 Operating 1.44 -- Left Empty -- Rappahannock Electric Corp.  
    -- Left Empty -- Goldvein 2002 Operating 5.5 -- Left Empty -- Northwestern Energy  
    -- Left Empty -- Purcellville 2002 Operating 6 -- Left Empty -- Northern Virginia Electric Corp.  
    -- Left Empty -- Montpelier 2002 Operating 2.4 -- Left Empty -- HARRISONBURG ELECTRIC COMMISSION  
    -- Left Empty -- Morattico 2002 Operating 1.6 -- Left Empty -- BARC ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE  
    BLACKSBURG SCHOOL BLACKSBURG 9999 Operating 2 BLACKSBURG SCHOOL -- Company Unknown -- REPIS; P1536; System Type is an estimate
    Pentagon II Arlington 2000 Planned 15 -- Left Empty -- Pepco Energy Services NEMS Bldgs; ; Ascension Technologies
    VASE   2004 Planned 200 -- Left Empty -- -- Left Empty -- NEMS Bldgs; ;
    Project/Plant Name Location Year Operational Status Nameplate Capacity (kW) Owner/Operator/Developer Power Purchaser Notes
    Wind
    FORREST FORREST 2000 Operating 10 AMERICAN ELECTRIC POWER CO INC AMERICAN ELECTRIC POWER CO INC  
    James Madison University Wind Turbine Harrisonburg 2004 Operating 1 James Madison University    
    Smith Mountain Lake Wind Project Smith Mountain Lake   Operating 10 Smith Mountain Lake Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Facility American Electric Power Pilot/Test?
    Unknown Charlotte   Operating 1 Unknown    
    Purpoise Banks 1 5 miles off coast of VA   Planned 716400 Winergy LLC -- Left Empty -- Each turbine 3.5 MW.
    Purpoise Banks 2 5 miles off coast of VA   Planned 975600 Winergy LLC -- Left Empty -- Each turbine 3.5 MW.
    Purpoise Banks 3 4.8 miles off coast of VA   Planned 630000 Winergy LLC -- Left Empty -- Vestas 2 MW turbines.
    Smith Island 3 miles off coast of VA   Planned 795600 Winergy LLC -- Left Empty -- Each turbine 3.5 MW.
    Cape Charles Sustainable Technology Park Northhampton County 2004 Proposed 7800 -- Left Empty -- -- Left Empty -- update
    AUSTINSHIRE WIND MATHEWS 1989 Unknown 10 AUSTINSHIRE WINDMILL VIRGINIA POWER CO. UNABLE TO VALIDATE REPiS II DATA.

    Source:

    Renewable Electric Plant Information Syste REPiS

    Species Group/ Type of Residue 2003 2001 1999 1995 1992 1989
    Total 72,647 73,835 63,143 69,174 63,079 61,829
    Softwood 34,795 34,292 31,375 29,529 23,673 24,969
    Bark 18,465 14,394 13,179 13,005 10,527 10,527
    Coarse 1,521 1,526 1,949 2,200 1,288 939
    Sawdust 14,495 18,020 14,726 13,318 11,326 12,733
    Shavings 314 352 1,521 1,006 532 200
    Hardwood 37,852 39,543 31,768 39,645 39,406 37,430
    Bark 17,832 15,758 9,497 16,976 17,098 17,098
    Coarse 1,961 3,053 2,506 4,632 3,933 4,223
    Sawdust 18,007 20,430 19,525 17,815 18,152 15,898
    Shavings 52 302 240 222 223 211

    Source:

    Table A.14, Virginia's Timber Industry - An Assessment of Timber Product Output and Use, Southern Research Station Publications, Southern Research Center, US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Asheville, NC.

    Type of Manufacturer
    (SIC Code)/
    End Consumer    		 Chips Coarse Residue Sawdust Planer Shavings Bark Mixed Residue Other Green and Dry Residue Sanderdust Pallets
    Total 78,220 25,665 245,997 8,882 61,400 86,618 35,653 29,379 32,923
    Primary Manufacturers
    Primary Manufacturers Total 27,151 9,615 185,418 7,786 56,947 14,196 22,438 28,610 -
    Hardwood Sawmill Wood Residues (2421) 15,755 1,840 141,242 3,510 1,240 4,000 473 - -
    Used at facility as fuel - 40 10,000 - - 500 - - -
    Sold to others as fuel 15,755 1,800 131,242 3,510 1,240 3,500 473 - -
    Pipe Sawmill Wood Residues (2421) 9,391 - 42,046 4,026 4,550 - - - -
    Used at facility as fuel 4,500 - 14,780 4,026 4,200 - - - -
    Sold to others as fuel 4,891 - 27,266 - 350 - - - -
    Engineered Wood Manufacturers (2493) - 4,950 - - 16,632 10,071 140 26,957 -
    Used at facility as fuel - 4,950 - - 8,316 - - 25,957 -
    Sold to others as fuel - - - - 8,316 10,071 140 1,000 -
    Paper Manufacturers (2621, 2631) - - - - 34,400 - - - -
    Used at facility as fuel - - - - 34,400 - - - -
    Sold to others as fuel - - - - - - - - -
    Hardwood Plywood Manufacturers (2435) 2,005 2,825 2,130 250 125 125 21,825 1,653 -
    Used at facility as fuel 1,097 2,825 1,222 250 125 125 10,958 902 -
    Sold to others as fuel 908 - 908 - - - 10,867 751 -
    Secondary Manufacturers
    Secondary Manufacturers Total 51,069 16,050 60,579 1,096 4,453 72,422 13,215 769 32,923
    Rough Mill Operations (2431, 2434, 2426) 43,184 14,349 33,820 20 - 2,879 - - -
    Used at facility as fuel 8,155 13,431 19,338 20 - 2,879     -
    Sold to others as fuel 35,029 918 14,482           -
    Pallet Manufacturers (2448) 1,200 - 21,984 - 4,453 29,542 2,000 - 20,166
    Used at facility as fuel - - - - 607 - - - 524
    Sold to others as fuel 1,200 - 21,984 - 3,846 29,542 2,000 - 19,642
    Furniture Manufacturers (2511, 2512, 2519, 2521, 2531, 2599) 690 180 1,749 1,076 - 39,164 - 769 7
    Used at facility as fuel 690 - 1,229 1,076 - 33,302 - 769 7
    Sold to others as fuel - 180 520 <0.5 - 5,862 - - -
    Housing Manufacturers (2451, 2452, 2439) 1,036 6 6 - - - 15 - -
    Used at facility as fuel 36 6 6 - - - 15 - -
    Sold to others as fuel 1,000 - - - - - - - -
    Other Manufacturers (5211, 2429, 2499) 4,959 1,515 3,020 - - 837 11,200 - 12,750
    Used at facility as fuel 957 325 3,020 - - - 1,200 - 4250
    Sold to others as fuel 4,002 1,190 - - - 837 10,000 - 8,500

    Notes:

  • A statewide mail survey of primary and secondary wood product manufacturers was underaken to quantify the production and consumption of wood residues. Virginia Employment Commission data as of 12/31/1996 was used to extrapolate and thereby estimate the total wood residue volumes produced in each SIC (Standard Industrial Classification Code).
  • Approximately 8 percent of the hardwood total was produced by pine sawmills.
  • Approximately 5 percent of pine total was produced by Hardwood sawmills.
  • Engineered wood manufacturers included: hardboard, laminated, veeneer lumber, oriented strandboard, and particleboard.
  • Hardwood plywood manufacturers included: hardwood plywood, face grade veneers, and veneer.
  • Rough mill operations included: box springs, cabinets and cabinet components, doors, edge glued panels, flooring, furniture parts, laminated furniture parts, millwork, and timbers.
  • Housing manufacturers included: log homes, modular housing, post frame buildings, prefabricated wall panels, trusses, and utility buildings.
  • "Other" manufacturers included: mulch, chip, post, piling, steam, travel trailers, novelties, electricity, pipe organ, handle, stake manufacturers, boat repairing, wood preserves, and building supplies.
  • Totals may not equal sum of components due to independent rounding.

    • Source:

    Smith RL, Reddy V, Alderman D, 1997. Wood Residues in Virginia: It's Availability and Current Potential Markets, Center for Forest Products Marketing, Virginia Tech 24061.

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