STOCKTON — Assemblyman Bill Berryhill will speak in support of DTE Energy Services biomass project Wednesday at 10 a.m. at the Port of Stockton. 

DTE Energy Services, Inc. received approval from the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District to convert an existing coal-fired power plant at the Port of Stockton to operate on biomass fuel.

“I applaud DTE Energy Services for their partnership with the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution District in creating the cleanest biomass project in California.,” Berryhill said.

 Berryhill has publicly supported the plant and is appreciative of the 250 construction and operation jobs created by the project.  

“My goal is to bring jobs back to the Central Valley,” Berryhill said. “This project is an example of what we can do to create employment, in partnership with our local air district.”

 The conversion will employ approximately 100 construction workers at its peak.  Approximately 50 employees and contract personnel will be needed to operate and maintain the plant when the conversion is complete. In addition, the project will create more than 100 additional jobs through agreements with fuel suppliers and other companies that will provide services to the plant.

 The plant, known as the Port of Stockton District Energy Facility (POSDEF), will be converted to burn 100 percent biomass fuel, primarily wood fuel derived from urban wood waste, tree trimmings and agricultural residues. It will produce about 45 megawatts of power.