'Franken-permits' reinstated for Springfield biomass project, inching wood-burning plant closer to becoming a reality

WAMC Northeast Public Radio | By James Paleologopoulos

Published February 6, 2026 at 3:24 PM EST

A rendering of the proposed biomass plant Palmer Renewable Energy originally looked to install in an industrial area off of Page Boulevard in East Springfield.

Opponents of a potential biomass plant in Springfield have been dealt another blow. As WAMC’s Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief James Paleologopoulos reports, it all has to do with the resurrection of so-called “Franken-permits.”

This piece originally aired on Friday, Feb. 6, 2026

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