Web exclusive posted Sept. 22, 2008 at 2:52 p.m. CST

Catalyst Renewables Corp., through its biomass energy subsidiary Syracuse, N.Y.-based CRC Renewables, is partnering with Atlantic Power Corp. to convert the Onondaga Cogeneration plant in Geddes, N.Y., to a biomass facility that will produce power for central New York and steam for local businesses.

The project's plans were announced Sept. 16. Financing for the project is in development.

After 15 years of operation, the Onondaga Cogeneration facility was shut down earlier this year. With a capacity of 40 megawatts, Onondaga Renewables will produce enough electricity to power approximately 40,000 homes and provide low-pressure steam.

Dallas-based Catalyst Renewables opened its Syracuse N.Y. offices with the announcement of the biomass power facility and introduced its TreeSource Solutions LLC division. TreeSource provides technologies and management services to business, governments, forest owners and loggers to better manage wood waste. TreeSource is also looking for farmers who want to grow woody biomass on their underused or abandoned farmland, providing new markets. "Our company is under the direction of professional foresters," said Derek Benson, Catalyst Renewables director of business development, "so our customers and the general public can be assured that we are firmly committed to the very highest standards and practices of sustainable forest management."

Catalyst Renewables also owns and operates the Lyonsdale Biomass LLC wood-fired cogeneration facility, a 19 megawatt power generation facility in Lyonsdale, N.Y.