IRON MOUNTAIN — The Dickinson County Board recently received an update from PenWin Industries on possibly establishing a gasification plant in northern Dickinson County.

Gasification of waste is a process that converts waste materials into a synthetic gas, known as syngas, which can then be used to generate electricity, produce fuels or create other valuable products. This process offers a more efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional incineration, developers say.

Currently, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is focusing on modernizing Michigan’s waste management system with a primary goal of increasing recycling rates and reducing landfill disposal. This involves a shift towards waste diversion through recycling and composting, and requires each county to develop a Materials Management Plan.

Dickinson County and PenWin Industries plan to ask Whitmer for her support.

The project would cost $5 billion to build and would eventually employ up to 700 people, Ty Penca told the board at a special meeting Friday. Penca said they are pursuing private funding and would not seek public funds.

Currently, Pen Win Industries is searching for a site of up to 300 acres that offers access to railroad service, a critical element for the plan, Penca said. Railroad would allow for a regional expansion of services to cities such as Minneapolis and Chicago.

He said there would be little environmental impact from operations. The plant is a closed system, with no smokestacks. Incoming waste would be processed almost as soon as it arrives and any products made by the operation would be shipped out as quickly as possible.

Officials from Dickinson, Alger and Menominee counties have approved letters of support for the concept.