Varnum is the leading firm in Michigan for work on independent power generation, including fossil-fueled, alternative and renewable resource plants. Our work includes site development, local zoning, construction contracting, power purchase agreements, transmission rights of way, interconnection agreements, standby rates, wheeling contracts, environmental studies and compliance, and regulatory approvals.

We have a depth of experience working with clients in the biomass energy industry. We have and do represent developers of wood-fired energy plants, manure digesters, agricultural gasification plants, waste-to-energy incinerators, landfill gas, ethanol projects and biodiesel crops. We have also aided clients in developing carbon credit registration and trading programs. The services are varied as required by each individual project.

Biomass Energy Representative Matters

• Successfully worked with a wood-fired energy plant developer on three projects, including the power purchase agreement, interconnection agreement and financing.
• Worked with another wood-fired energy plant on acquiring the right-of-way and constructing a private transmission line to deliver its energy to the high-voltage transmission system.
• Worked to develop sales and warranty documents for a gasification equipment designer and manufacturer for use with all transactions
• Strategized with farmers on the highest and best use of synthetic gas production from manure digestion and manure digester operations.
• Negotiated the power purchase agreement for a waste-to-energy project, obtained agency approval, worked on design-build contract, involved in the issuance of public bonds to finance the project, obtained air permits, and have worked on all attendant environmental issues.
• Assisted on air permitting issues for another waste-to-energy project.
• Worked with clients marketing carbon credits from various biomass substitution projects.
• Assisted in developing a market for a biodiesel/food crop.
• Advised on air permitting and environmental compliance issues for ethanol operations.
• Counseled and guided clients through the regulatory processes at MDEQ and MPSC, and have been involved in the financing of such projects.
• Negotiation and finalization of project financing.

Varnum's Biomass Energy Clients include:

• A prominent nation-wide developer of MWS waste-to-energy projects
• A multi-patented designer of innovative gasification processes allowing for small-scale electric energy production
• Agricultural interests looking to solve waste disposal issues creatively