Waste from chickens and turkeys could soon become a power source in North Carolina.

Fibrowatt LLC, which opened the nation’s first poultry-litter fueled power plant two years ago in Minnesota, has contracted with Fagen, Inc. for the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) of its first biomass-fueled power project in North Carolina.

“We are delighted to work with the Fagen team,” said Fibrowatt CEO Rupert Fraser, “their experience as EPC contractors is very impressive and we are certain that we are moving forward with a contractor that understands the unique characteristics of our technology. This agreement is another step for us in North Carolina – helping the State move forward towards its goal of being a leader in the implementation of home-grown renewable energy.”

Fagen, Inc. is a leading national design-builder focused on renewable energy projects, and is headquartered in Granite Falls, MN. “We believe the Fibrowatt process for energy production is a large step in the right direction towards energy independence and we look forward to being part of their projects,” said CEO & President Ron Fagen.

The initial North Carolina project will produce 55 megawatts of renewable electricity, enough power annually to supply over 40,000 homes. In addition to poultry litter, the plant will have the design flexibility to blend wood and other biomass with poultry litter, thus reducing dependency on a single fuel type. Plans for two other plants are also in the works.