Legislators Meet with Quantum Biopower, Discuss Anaerobic Digester Technology

Sen. Formica, Brian Paganini, Rep. Ackert, Mark Vigneault, Julie Cammarata and Rep. Bumgardner.

SOUTHINGTON – Ranking members of the Energy and Technology Committee Representative Tim Ackert (R-8) and Senator Paul Formica (R-20), joined the committee’s Vice-Chairman Representative Mike Demicco (D-21) and Aundré Bumgardner (R-41) at Quantum Biopower September 18 to hear about the company’s newest endeavor: creating renewable energy using food waste and other organic material through anaerobic digestion.

Anaerobic digestion is relatively new technology that is being pioneered in nations such as Germany and Canada. Food waste and other organic material are separated out and stored in a controlled, oxygen-free environment that allows microorganisms to break it down. This digestion converts essential elements into methane, which is captured and fed into a power unit that produces electricity. Specifically at Quantum, the plan is to sell this renewable electricity to Eversource Energy and credit it to the town of Southington through the virtual net metering program. This will considerably cut the town’s energy costs and will save money for local businesses required to dispose of food waste.

The legislators spoke with Vice President and Managing Director Brian Paganini, Operations Manager Mark Vigneault about the project and various problems they have run into in trying to get it off the ground.

“Investing in this kind of energy will help put Connecticut on the forefront of renewable technology,” Rep. Ackert said. “I can’t wait for this project to be completed so we can assess its viability and learn even more about this energy option.”

“It is incumbent upon the state’s technology pioneers to expand their imagination and figure out how to best supply the region with energy,” said Sen. Formica. “Whether it be solar, wind or this new type of anaerobic digestion – creating renewable energy is vital to the state becoming self-reliant on power. I look forward to the future of this industry.”

“Visiting a plant like Quantum Biopower shows you can lower Connecticut’s carbon footprint while simultaneously creating jobs and growing the renewable energy sector in our state,” Rep. Bumgardner said. “As a long-time supporter of renewable energy generation, including anaerobic digestion, I’m pleased the legislature is taking a serious look at this emerging technology.”

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More information on Quantum Biopower and this project can be found at www.quantumbiopower.com. To see bills related to anaerobic digestion that have been discussed at the legislature, visit www.cga.ct.gov and search “anaerobic digestion.”