• Home
• Our Company
  • Mission & Values
  • Our History
  • Our Leadership
  • What is quasar?
  • Partnerships
  • BTU, LLC
• Plant Systems
  • What is Biomass?
  • Our Process
  • ecoFARMsystem 550
  • ecoCITYsystem 2250
  • Worldwide
• Our Laboratory
  • OARDC Campus
  • Testing Abilities
  • Feasibility Study
• Our Residuals
  • Renewable Energy
  • Renewable Resources
  • Environmental
• The Industry
  • US BioPower Map
  • Biogas Legislation
  • Germany
  • United States
• Contact Us
  • Employment
  • Request Information
  • Contact Us

Strickland, quasar Break Ground on Renewable Energy System, Create Jobs in Ohio

Columbus: Ohio Governor Ted Strickland and Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman Join Officials from quasar energy group to break ground on the Columbus system. From left to right: Tom Kurtz, President Kurtz Bros. Central Ohio, Lisa Patt-McDaniel, Director Ohio Department of Development, Franklin County Commissioner John O'Grady, Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman, Ohio Governor Ted Strickland, SWACO Executive Director Ron Mills, and Columbus City Council President Michael Mentel.

Columbus, OH— Ohio Governor Ted Strickland and Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman joined officials from quasar energy group, The Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO) and Kurtz Bros., Inc. to celebrate the groundbreaking of quasar’s fourth Ohio biomass waste to energy system in Columbus that will create and retain 72 direct and indirect jobs.   

The energy system will process the City of Columbus’ biosolids, regional food waste, and FOG (fats, oil and grease) to generate 1MWh of electricity each hour that will power businesses and homes in Columbus.  

“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.”

This collaborative initiative is another example of Ohio’s dedication to growing an advanced energy industry that will shape Ohio’s future.  Strickland announced a $3.06 million loan through the Ohio Bipartisan Job Stimulus for Advanced Energy in support of this project in December, 2009.  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 Mayor Michael B. Coleman. “This project also is the latest in our efforts to clean up and, with our partners, redevelop brownfield areas.”

SWACO Executive Director Ron Mills stated that “Projects such as today’s will return Ohio to its rightful place and traditional role of innovation and technological advancement.”  

“Today is an exciting day for Ohio,” stated quasar President Mel Kurtz.  “Today we are celebrating the result of collaborating to not only build a biogas facility, but to grow an industry.”

Thomas Kurtz, President of Kurtz Bros. of Central Ohio stated that “We are prepared to alter the way business is done with our waste to energy plant here in central Ohio. We take great pride in our innovative approach and the integrity of our people and look to continue to lead the way in offering cost effective solutions at managing waste materials.”

About quasar energy group
quasar is a Cleveland, Ohio based waste-to-energy company with a state-of-the art laboratory and flagship system on The Ohio State University’s OARDC campus.  quasar designs, builds, owns and operates anaerobic digestion facilities using US components to produce clean renewable energy.    For more information on quasar, go to www.quasarenergygroup.com.

About SWACO
SWACO is the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio.  The Authority acts as a catalyst to bring about innovative waste reduction and recycling projects. Phase one of SWACO’s Green Energy Centre converts raw landfill gas into Compressed Natural Gas with an annual capacity of 250,000 gasoline gallon equivalents.  SWACO also provides consumers recycling opportunities through 225 recycling drop off-locations, at major sporting and entertainment venues, at Columbus City Schools, and The Columbus Arts Festival.  SWACO provides advice for businesses wishing to begin reduce their waste as well.  The Authority also operates the Franklin County Landfill, three transfer stations, and other programs.   More on SWACO at www.swaco.org.

About Kurtz Bros.