Maximizing Renewable Energy Resources While Minimizing Greenhouse Gases 

Biosolids are the nutrient rich natural by-product of wastewater treatment. They are produced by removing the organics from municipal sewage - the majority of which comes from residential homes.

Over 158,000 metric tons of “dry solids” are produced annually in the San Francisco Bay Area. The Biosolids to Energy Coalition is committed to creating energy from biosolids using state-of-the art technology to generate clean and renewable energy resources of value to society and the environment.

Biosolids Today, Clean Energy Tomorrow

Biosolids contain latent energy that can be harnessed via capture and combustion of methane gas or via direct combustion.  The conversion process involves heating the material to break down the solids and create gases that are converted to energy. Converting biosolids to energy relies on technologies including pyrolysis, gasification, thermo oxidation, fluidized bed reactor and arc plasma.

Benefits of Turning Biosolids into Energy

• Convert biosolids and green waste to energy
• Decrease greenhouse gases
• Help meet goals set by California Global Warming Solutions Act (AB32), Renewable Portfolio and Bioenergy Action Plan
• Create green jobs
• Use local, sustainable supplies
• Significantly reduce truck miles (presently at more than 800,000 miles annually)
  
  

Project Goals

Local wastewater agencies can help achieve state and federal goals of meeting electricity and low carbon fuel needs with renewable sources. The Bay Area Biosolids to Energy Project is working to capture the energy within biosolids on a larger scale and in a more effective and efficient method. Read more...

JOB OPENING
Part-time
Executive Director
Bay Area Biosolids to Energy Coalition

BAB2E is seeking a part time Executive Director to manage the Coalition’s activities.  For more information on the newly created position and how to apply, read more...

Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. on June 21, 2013. 

Recent and On-Going Activities

BAB2E Brochure

For information on the Bay Area Biosolids to Energy Project and Coalition, please click here.

B2E Technology Demonstrations

BAB2E secured close to $1 Million through the California Energy Commission’s PIER program and is seeking funding through the Department of Energy (DOE). Water Environment Research Foundation (WERF) is under contract to provide independent peer review through a panel of independent industry researchers and specialists.

BAB2E Advocacy

Advocacy for state and federal policy and regulations to incentivize and accelerate B2E technology innovation and deployment. In 2012, BAB2E offered language for the following:                            

• US Senate Clean Energy Act and California Energy Commission’s RPS Eligibility Guidebook and Overall Program Guidebook to ensure biosolids are eligible as a renewable.
• State AB 1532 to ensure B2E eligibility in allocation of GHG allowance revenue.
• US Senate Committee on Appropriations Energy & Water FY 2013 Appropriations Bill to add language directing DOE to include  biosolids from wastewater treatment for allocation of renewable energy funding.