In an era marked by growing environmental concerns and climate change,
sustainable solutions for energy and waste management have become
paramount. Nestled in Jessup, the Maryland Bioenergy
Center — operated by Bioenergy Devco — is groundbreaking as the state's first anaerobic digester of such scale, and
showcases the intersection of ecology and a circular economy — offering a sustainable,
scalable and efficient approach to organics recycling.
A transformative approach to organics recycling
The Jessup facility is designed to recycle an impressive 110,000 tons of organic
waste each year. The heart of this operation lies in the process of anaerobic
digestion
— a naturally occurring process in which organic materials are decomposed by
microorganisms in the absence of oxygen — which not only redirects organic waste
from landfills and incinerators but also yields two valuable outputs: renewable
natural
gas
and nutrient-rich soil
digestate.
The renewable natural gas produced at the Maryland Bioenergy Center, estimated
to reach a staggering 340,000 MMBtu annually, will represent a significant
contribution to the region's energy landscape. This renewable natural gas can be
utilized for various applications — from direct injection to utilities to green
hydrogen production — offering a more sustainable alternative to conventional
natural gas sources.
In addition, the facility generates over 16,000 tons of rich, fertile soil
amendment — which is an invaluable resource for agriculture and land use. The
nutrient-rich soil amendment contributes to healthier soil quality, fostering
improved crop growth and soil fertility.
Who benefits from this initiative
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From Bioenergy Devco’s own, in-house calculations, the Maryland facility’s prevention of the release of greenhouse gases from decomposition of the region’s organic waste provides the climate-stabilizing equivalent of preserving 69,061 acres (approximately 82 times the size of New York's Central Park) of US forests in just one year.
In addition, the Maryland Bioenergy Center serves a diverse range of stakeholders:
-
Food industry: For food processors, institutions and companies faced
with the challenge of disposing of organic waste sustainably, anaerobic
digestion provides an innovative and cost-effective solution to help these
entities enhance waste management, reduce operating costs, and meet
corporate sustainability goals.
-
Municipalities: Collaboration with local and state governments and
regional partners facilitates the diversion of organic waste from landfills
and incinerators. This approach not only supports broader zero-waste
initiatives but also generates high-quality jobs and boosts local economies.
-
Waste haulers: Designed with efficiency in mind, the Jessup facility
provides waste haulers with a layout that optimizes traffic flow and
multiple scales for streamlined operations. Open for deliveries 24/7 and
strategically located near I-95, it helps haulers reduce transportation
costs and attract sustainability-focused customers.
A next-generation energy partnership
The Maryland Bioenergy Center project represents a groundbreaking partnership
that is pivotal in addressing Maryland's greenhouse gas emissions and energy
needs. It pioneers a large-scale renewable-energy project by converting food
waste from the state's wholesale food distributors and distribution centers into
renewable natural gas — a circular approach that has far-reaching benefits for
both the state and the environment.
The facility prevents nearly 125,000 tons of landfill waste each year through a
sustainable and cost-effective process. The environmental benefits are immense,
with the equivalent of nearly 125,000 cars taken off the road for a year.
Moreover, the facility is expected to provide enough energy to power
approximately 4,800 homes throughout the area — significantly contributing to
local energy needs.
A critical aspect of this partnership is Bioenergy Devco's collaboration with
Baltimore Gas & Electric (BGE),
which assists in distributing the renewable natural gas. This partnership
supports BGE's commitment to providing its customers cleaner, more sustainable
energy options — marking another step forward in Maryland's clean-energy
transition.
By harnessing the power of anaerobic digestion, the Maryland Bioenergy Center
exemplifies the promise of ecology meeting the economy. With its ability to
recycle organics, produce renewable natural gas, and yield nutrient-rich soil
amendments, it illustrates how a harmonious relationship between environmental
responsibility and economic growth is possible.
The partnership between Bioenergy Devco and BGE underscores the potential for
such collaborations to accelerate the transition towards cleaner, more
sustainable energy solutions. It serves as a model for other states and regions
looking to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote responsible waste
management. Maryland's initiative not only reduces its environmental footprint
but also offers economic opportunities and greater energy self-sufficiency —
marking a significant step toward a brighter, cleaner future for Maryland and
beyond.
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Bioenergy Devco
Published Jan 19, 2024 8am EST / 5am PST / 1pm GMT / 2pm CET