Products Stored

Wood-Pellet Storage |

Scope of Work

Domes Height Diameter Capacity
#523 157ft 176ft 45,000t
#523 47.9m 53.6m 45,000t
#539 157ft 176ft 45,000t
#539 47.9m 53.6m 45,000t

Dome Technology builds two portside domes for world’s largest wood-pellet producer

In 2011 and 2012 two domes were completed for biomass manufacturer Enviva at the Port of Chesapeake in Virginia.

The domes feature systems that continuously monitor and control the interior temperature. Through close collaboration with the customer, Dome Technology’s team completed construction ahead of projected completion, even though the project started a month later than planned.

“Enviva is the biggest wood-pellet producer in the world. It’s just a joy to work with such a large, progressive company,” said Dome Technology sales manager Lane Roberts.

This was the first Dome Technology project for Enviva. Following the work in Virginia, the team was contracted to build two additional, almost identical domes at Port of Wilmington, North Carolina. The pair can withstand winds up to 300 mph and will store pellets produced at Enviva’s Sampson plant, as well as additional regional wood-pellet production facilities that may be built in the future.

Domes are an ideal bulk-storage option for wood pellets as they store a large volume in a smaller footprint, stacking product deeper than a silo of similar dimensions. For storage on a port, domes can be engineered with innovative foundation systems that provide ample support on soil near the water. Domes are also less likely to experience fires because the interior is truss and support free—the fewer the horizontal surfaces, the fewer places for dust accumulation.

According to Enviva Senior Vice President Norb Hintz, the company has been pleased with Dome Technology’s work. “We appreciate the high-quality workmanship, professionalism and attention to detail demonstrated by their staff,” he said.