Johnson Controls, Nexterra in biomass alliance

Milwaukee, Wis.-based Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI) announced a strategic alliance today with Nexterra Energy, based in Vancouver, British Columbia.

The two companies plan to jointly develop and implement biomass gasification projects. Johnson Controls said it plans to offer the biomass solutions to its customers, including higher education, health care, government facilities and industrial operations.

"We selected Nexterra because it has demonstrated that its technology is cost-effective, versatile, easy to operate, and provides real solutions to real energy problems," said Don Albinger, VP of renewable energy solutions for Johnson Controls.

Johnson Controls, which has worked with Nexterra before, said the biomass gasification system would allow customers to reduce energy costs, increase energy security and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

"Most recently we partnered with Nexterra to provide a $20 million biomass gasification system for the University of South Carolina that is scheduled for start-up this fall. We look forward to replicating this gasification solution across a range of institutional and industrial markets throughout North America," said Albinger.

The USC cogeneration plant, which runs on wood residue, provides 1.38 megawatts of electricity and 60,000 pounds per hour of high pressure steam for district heating.

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