Burlington Dedicates First Large-Scale Wood Chip Power Plant

The $67 million McNeil Generating Station began operations in 1984 and remains Burlington's largest electricity source.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 12:03pm

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On March 17, 1984, Burlington, Vermont officials and the family of Joseph McNeil gathered to dedicate the McNeil Generating Station, the first large-scale wood-burning power plant in the world. The $67 million plant came online in June of that year and is still operating today as Burlington's largest source of electricity.

Why it matters

The McNeil Generating Station represented a pioneering effort to harness renewable wood biomass as a sustainable energy source, reducing the city's reliance on fossil fuels. Its continued operation over the past four decades demonstrates Burlington's long-standing commitment to clean energy and environmental stewardship.

The details

The McNeil Generating Station was a $67 million project that began operations in June 1984 as Burlington's primary electricity source. The plant burns locally-sourced wood chips to generate steam and produce electricity, making it the first large-scale wood-burning power plant in the world at the time.

  • The McNeil Generating Station was dedicated on March 17, 1984.
  • The plant came online and began operations in June 1984.

The players

McNeil Generating Station

A $67 million wood-burning power plant that began operations in 1984 and remains Burlington's largest electricity source.

Joseph McNeil

The family of Joseph McNeil gathered for the dedication of the power plant that bears his name.

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The takeaway

The McNeil Generating Station's four decades of continuous operation demonstrate Burlington's pioneering role in renewable energy and commitment to sustainable power generation, even as the city and technology have evolved over time.