Sonoco biomass power plant will bring up to 40 jobs

Sonoco's Hartsville operations.

By: NEWS RELEASE | SCNow
Published: April 22, 2009

DARLINGTON - A Greenville company announced plans Wednesday to build a 50-megawatt co-generation biomass power plant in Darlington County.

Peregrine Energy Corp. is working together with Progress Energy and Sonoco Products Company on the project. It will be located at Sonoco’s manufacturing complex in Hartsville.

According to a news release, the $135 million investment represents one of the largest investments in the history of Darlington County.

The new cogeneration facility will create approximately 30 direct jobs and replace existing coal-fired boilers used by Sonoco, the release said.

Progress Energy Carolinas will purchase all of the electrical output from Peregrine, while Sonoco will purchase the low-pressure steam for use at its manufacturing complex. Up to an additional 110 indirect support jobs also are expected, primarily in the forestry and transportation sectors, the release said.

“What I am most excited about are the economic benefits this project will bring, primarily through the additional 100-plus indirect forestry and transportation jobs,” Wesley Blackwell, chairman of Darlington County Council said in the release. “This project creates great opportunities for existing small businesses and entrepreneurial start-ups in Darlington County.”

City of Hartsville Mayor Michael Holt says the city also is excited about the jobs the project will bring. “We express our gratitude to Sonoco and Progress Energy for being such strong corporate friends to this community," he said.

Stay with scnow.com, News13, and the Carolina Publishing Group for more on today's announcement during the day ahead.

Jim Ramsey, chairman of Darlington County Economic Development Partnership, said Peregrine Energy, Progress Energy Carolinas and Sonoco should all be congratulated. “This project has truly been a group effort,” he said. “This announcement will provide long-term stability to Sonoco’s manufacturing operations in Hartsville, as well as support Progress Energy’s renewable energy commitment.”