Published May 2003

Darrington co-generation plant in works

SCBJ Staff

The recent expansion and machinery upgrades at the Darrington sawmill may be followed by a much larger power project.

National Energy Systems Co., a Kirkland-based builder of power plants, could start construction next year on a 15-megawatt co-generation plant that would burn wood waste from the mill. The wood-fired furnace would produce steam for use in the mill’s wood dryer, in addition to turning an electricity-producing turbine and generator.

National Energy, which goes by the name NESCO, has agreed to buy land north of the Hampton Affiliates sawmill and is applying for a zoning change to allow the co-generation plant.

John Rivers, project engineer for NESCO, estimated the total cost of building the co-generation plant, which could supply more than 9,000 households with power, at $20 million to $30 million. He said initial reaction from Darrington and Snohomish County leaders has been positive.

Construction on the plant could begin in 2004. Once ready to start up, it could employ more than 25 people. The regular staff would be closer to 20, Rivers estimated.

Burning wood waste is considered an environmentally friendly way to produce power, so he’s sure several utilities would be attracted to buying from the plant.

Related: Hampton invests $15 million into mill

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