The Howard County Economic Development Authority (HCEDA) and Howard County Executive Allan H. Kittleman joined BTS Bioenergy officials in Verona, Italy, to announce the establishment of the company’s North American headquarters and the planned development of two bio-digestion recycling facilities in Howard County, Maryland.
Kittleman and BTS Bioenergy entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) formalizing the partnership, which will result in up to $40 million in investment and the creation of up to 20 jobs in Howard County.
BTS Bioenergy uses a closed-loop anaerobic bio-digester to process residual fruit and vegetable scraps from food production in a sealed fermenter. Methane is the primary gas bio-product of the process, which is collected and used for company energy needs or added back into the existing electric grid as power.
“Howard County has always been forward thinking when it comes to environmental sustainability,” said Kittleman. “This MOU creates a collaboration between Howard County, Maryland Environmental Services, and BTS Bioenergy and will put us at the forefront of the next generation of clean, renewable energy, which can serve as an example for the rest of the country.”
In addition to generating renewable energy, the process has other positive environmental benefits such as the reduction of truck traffic and emissions from hauling waste, and supports strong sustainability programs. Additionally, with an estimated 40 percent of the food produced each year for domestic consumption filling up landfills, this process diverts thousands of tons of organic waste from county landfills.
With over 190 anaerobic digester facilities in Europe and Asia, BTS Bioenergy is the global leader in the planning, construction, operation and management of plants that create sustainable communities through its innovative waste-to-energy solutions. These two facilities in Howard County would be the company’s first locations in America.
BTS Bioenergy and Howard County officials were joined in Italy by Roy McGrath, director and CEO of Maryland Environmental Service (MES), a self-supporting, independent Maryland agency with more than 900 environmental projects across the Mid-Atlantic region. MES entered into an agreement with BTS Bioenergy to provide operational support for the Howard County projects. Currently, MES operates 14 water and wastewater treatment facilities throughout Howard County, including those at a number of Howard County schools.
“These partnerships are yet another example of how the Hogan Administration is working with Howard County on innovative technologies and projects to enhance our environment,” said McGrath.
With the assistance of the HCEDA and Howard County Bureau of Environmental Services, BTS Bioenergy will finalize agreements at two locations in the county for the construction of the bio-digester facilities.
“Since we first began looking, we found Howard County to be a welcoming community that shares our goals of environmental sustainability, effective waste-management practices and creation of smart energy solutions,” said Shawn Kreloff, executive director and CEO, Americas, BTS Bioenergy, Inc. “The establishment of our North American Headquarters in Howard County also provides us critical access to technical talent and an operating platform for expansion throughout North America. We look forward to a long and prosperous relationship with the County.”
“BTS is a perfect fit for our growing food processing operations. With the support and collaboration of our local and state partners, we are crafting a solution for organic waste that will serve as a model for the state and the country,” added Lawrence Twele, CEO of the HCEDA.
BTS Bioenergy is not currently disclosing the specific site locations for its North American headquarters or bio-digester facilities.
About HCEDA
The Howard County Economic Development Authority is a public-private partnership whose primary goal is to promote economic growth and stability by supporting existing businesses, targeting new businesses, and attracting corporate/regional headquarters. The Authority also maintains several programs aimed at the special needs of small and agricultural businesses. Additionally, the Authority strives to preserve the distinctive quality of life in Howard County. The Authority can be reached at www.hceda.org.
About BTS Bioenergy www.bts-biogas.com
Since its founding in 2008 BTS Bioenergy has been a major catalyst in the global growth and acceptance of anaerobic biodigester technology and research. The BTS Bioenergy team has found a way to not just help our customers with the most efficient plant technology, but to simultaneously make a real impact on reducing pollution and providing organic soil amendments. As a clean energy and organic fertilizer company, BTS Bioenergy is uniquely positioned to empower our customers and partners to generate extraordinary revenue while simultaneously improving the air, water and soil quality.”