SAN FRANCISCO — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Regional Administrator for the Pacific Southwest Jared Blumenfeld recently participated in a ribbon-cutting event at the Bear Republic Brewery in Cloverdale, Calif. showcasing EcoVolt, the world’s first bioelectrically enhanced wastewater to energy system, according to a press release.
The system uses electrically active microbes to treat wastewater while simultaneously generating renewable biogas sufficient to generate up to 50 percent of brewery’s electricity needs and greater than 20 percent of the brewery’s heat needs, noted the release.
The innovative bioelectric technology developed by Boston, Mass-based Cambrian Innovation was funded through the federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) national program, the release reported, which provides $2.5 billion in funds annually to innovative small businesses across the country.
“Tapping cutting-edge technology for the craft production of 72,000 barrels of beer every year will allow Bear Republic to operate in a more environmentally-friendly manner,” said Mr. Blumenfeld. “Innovation provides the double benefit of meeting energy needs and preserving valuable water in short supply due to California’s drought, while helping businesses thrive and maintain local jobs.”
According to the release, EPA has provided funding to Cambrian Innovation to research microbial fuel cell technologies that generate electricity while treating wastewater.
Read the full release here.
