Babcock & Wilcox (B&W) announced that it has been granted a limited notice to proceed (LNTP) by NorthStar Clean Energy to begin work on a Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS) conversion of a former coal-fired power plant in Filer City, Mich., using B&W?s biomass SolveBright post-combustion carbon dioxide (CO2) capture technology. B&W is working with NorthStar Clean Energy to finalize the full contract in alignment with an extensive front end engineering and design study conducted by B&W for the project. The LNTP allows B&W to begin detailed design and procurement work while the parties finalize the contract.

Full notice to proceed is expected in the fourth quarter of 2024. B&W?s full contract scope is expected to include engineering, design and delivery of equipment to convert the plant to use biomass fuel and add carbon capture technology. Babcock & Wilcox Construction Co., LLC, will manage the construction and mechanical scope of the project.

When the conversion project is complete, the Filer City power plant will use sustainable biomass as fuel ? coupled with B&W?s SolveBright process ? to generate power with net-negative greenhouse gas emissions.

The plant will be capable of capturing up to 550,000 tons of CO2 annually, which will be permanently stored underground. The Filer City plant is jointly owned by Tondu Corp. and NorthStar Clean Energy (a subsidiary of CMS Energy Corporation).