JOHN DEERE, ADAGE ANNOUNCE BIOPOWER ALLIANCE BEGINNING WITH PROPOSED WASHINGTON STATE SITE
John Deere and ADAGE LLC, a bioenergy joint venture formed between AREVA and Duke Energy, today announced an alliance to bring technology and process innovation to the fuel supply for sustainable woody biomass power projects. The first project to be developed as part of the alliance will be ADAGE’s proposed facility in Mason County, Wash., 80 miles west of Seattle. The project involves collecting, bundling, and transporting branches and other wood debris from regional logging operations to the state-of-the-art ADAGE biomass power facility. Deere makes all of the forestry equipment used to gather and bundle the wood debris. Through this and future projects, John Deere and ADAGE seek to expand the use of woody biomass and raise public awareness about its promise as an environmentally sustainable and beneficial energy source. The sustainable use of woody biomass can help address the challenges posed by climate change by: - advancing a low-carbon energy source - fostering energy independence and diversity - driving new energy technologies - protecting our forest resources from fire and infestation - revitalizing rural communities - promoting the importance of environmental stewardship "John Deere has a proud history of both innovative environmental stewardship as well as customer dedication, and we believe our alliance with ADAGE builds on both. For example, John Deere strives to promote a respect for the environment in the equipment it designs, including the efficient and low impact Biomass Harvesting Systems that will be used in the Mason County Project," said Domenic Ruccolo, Senior Vice President, Worldwide Construction & Forestry Division. "At the same time, by working with ADAGE to support its biopower facility, we can help generate new opportunities to revitalize forestry communities and create sustained jobs for loggers and others that serve these communities." "ADAGE came to Washington nearly one year ago because of the great potential in the region for sustainable biomass. This alliance and the Mason County project are an extension of that vision and can become a new economic engine for the state," said Reed Wills, President of ADAGE. "The project will combine state-of-the-art biomass power technology with innovative forestry equipment that can make Washington a leader in the industry. We believe that building a vibrant biomass industry means new jobs, healthier forests, and a stronger energy portfolio for Washington." The Mason County project will deploy ADAGE’s reference plant design which employs advanced environmental controls to minimize air emissions and water usage. The proposed 55 megawatt facility will provide enough power for more than 40,000 homes. The $250 million initial investment will create more than 400 direct jobs during construction and more than 100 direct jobs during permanent operation. ADAGE plans to begin construction in late 2010. ADAGE and John Deere anticipate executing a formal contract later in 2010. John Deere John Deere (Deere & Company — NYSE: DE) is a world leader in providing advanced products and services for agriculture, forestry, construction, lawn and turf care, landscaping and irrigation. John Deere also provides financial services worldwide and manufactures and markets engines used in heavy equipment. Since it was founded in 1837, the company has extended its heritage of integrity, quality, commitment and innovation around the globe. John Deere Construction & Forestry produces more than 120 machine models and distributes its construction, forestry and worksite products through a network of more than 1,300 dealer locations worldwide. AREVA As the leading U.S. nuclear vendor and a key player in the renewable energy and electricity transmission and distribution sectors, AREVA Inc.’s 6,000 U.S. energy employees are committed to serving the nation and paving the way for the future of the electricity market. With 45 locations across the nation and nearly $2 billion in energy revenues in 2008, AREVA Inc., through its subsidiaries, combines U.S. leadership, access to worldwide expertise and a proven track record of performance. In the U.S. and in more than 100 countries around the world, AREVA is engaged in the 21st century’s greatest challenges: making energy available to all, protecting the planet, and acting responsibly toward future generations. AREVA Inc. is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland. Duke Energy Duke Energy, one of the largest electric power companies in the United States, supplies and delivers electricity to approximately 4 million U.S. customers in its regulated jurisdictions. The company has approximately 35,000 megawatts of electric generating capacity in the Midwest and the Carolinas, and natural gas distribution services in Ohio and Kentucky. In addition, Duke Energy has more than 4,000 megawatts of electric generation in Latin America, and is a joint-venture partner in a U.S. real estate company. Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Duke Energy is a Fortune 500 company traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DUK.
