The pursuit of a wood-burning biomass power plant that could generate 100 megawatts of electricity for Gainesville overcame a major hurdle Thursday.

After a lengthy debate, the Florida Public Service Commission approved the Gainesville Renewable Energy Center by a vote of 3-2.

The high-profile project is a step forward in supporting renewable energy development in the state, the commission decided in its need-determination hearing, despite uncertainty about its impact on rate payers.