May 24, 2010

Cleveland-based quasar energy group will build a new waste-to-energy plant processing biosolids, regional food waste and fats, oil and grease in Columbus.

Ground was broken May 3 for the plant, which will generate 1 megawatt of electricity. Joining quasar at the ceremony were Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland and Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman and officials from the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio and Kurtz Bros. Inc. The plant will be the fourth Ohio biomass facility quasar has built, the company said.

“I believe in Ohio because the future of energy is happening right now, and it’s happening right here,” Strickland said. “We are proud to have partnered with quasar through the Ohio Third Frontier Program, which is helping to make Ohio the home of alternative energy while creating new Ohio jobs that can’t be outsourced.”

The project is supported by a $3.06 million loan through the state’s Bipartisan Job Stimulus for Advanced Energy. Also in December, the Ohio Third Frontier Advanced Energy Program announced an investment of $2 million in quasar for its Accelerating Commercialization of Anaerobic Digestion for Bioenergy project.

“This new bio-fuels plant will divert biodegradable wastes and convert it to green electricity,” said Coleman. “This project also is the latest in our efforts to clean up and, with our partners, redevelop brownfield areas.”

The plant will begin producing energy in about three months.

For more information on quasar, go to www.quasarenergygroup.com.

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