Salem could get $2.5 million back toward in replacing methane-burning facility

The city of Salem plans to replace its old methane-burning power generator and now has a $2.5-million incentive to ensure the new one performs.

City officials announced Thursday it netted potentially $3 million to replace its Willow Lake Cogeneration Facility. The grant, from Portland-based Energy Trust of Oregon, pays $500,000 when the new facility is built and up to $2.5 million if it hits certain benchmarks.

“I will say the energy production goals are very…