Currently, some of the biogas from the McCarty Road Landfill is being captured, processed and sold to a local utility, while the excess is flared (burned without energy recovery). Ameresco plans to capture some of that unused biogas and transport it to the Anheuser-Busch brewery through a six mile underground pipeline.
"We routinely evaluate innovative energy technologies to help support our operations and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels," said Steve Ghiglieri, senior plant manager of Anheuser Busch's Houston brewery.
Allied Waste Services contracted with Ameresco in 2005 to put the excess biogas produced by the McCarty Road landfill to beneficial use. Construction of the pipeline began in May of 2008.
"Ameresco is proud to be part of such a forward looking project that has such tremendous societal benefits," said Michael T. Bakas, vice president of Ameresco. "In addition, we are excited to have the opportunity to work with Anheuser Busch and Allied Waste Services, whose vision and passion for positively impacting our environment are aligned with Ameresco's."
As a member of the EPA's Climate Leaders program, Anheuser-Busch routinely explores advanced technologies to improve efficiencies, reduce dependency on fossil fuels and reduce greenhouse gas emissions at its facilities, while maintaining its strict quality standards for its beer brands.
"Anheuser-Busch has a long history of environmental stewardship, dating back to the late 1800s when our founder Adolphus Busch began recycling grain from the brewing process as cattle feed, a tradition that continues today," said Ghiglieri. "Since that time, we have taken great pride in our ongoing reduction of environmental impacts by increasing efficiencies at our facilities and using innovative technologies. This project is just another example of our commitment to environmental stewardship."
