Recent News

$135 Million Cogeneration Facility to Locate in Darlington County

April 22, 2009

Peregrine Energy Corp. of Greenville, S.C., announced plans earlier today to build a 50-megawatt co-generation biomass power plant in Darlington County. The new facility, which is a joint venture of Peregrine Energy, Progress Energy Carolinas, Inc. and Sonoco Products Company, will be located at Sonoco’s manufacturing complex in Hartsville.

The $135 million investment in the project by Peregrine Energy 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. 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.

“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,” said Wesley Blackwell, chairman of Darlington County Council. “This project creates great opportunities for existing small businesses and entrepreneurial start-ups in Darlington County.”

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

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.”

About the Darlington County Economic Development Partnership

The public/private partnership was established by Darlington County Council and is supported by Darlington County, City of Hartsville and members of Darlington County Progress, Inc. The Partnership also works with regional, state and federal agencies in securing available grants and other financial assistance for business and industrial growth.

For more information, contact Robert Long at (843) 398-4600.