In a landmark move toward environmental sustainability and technological advancement, WSSC Water has unveiled its $271 million Piscataway Bioenergy Facility in Prince George’s County, Maryland. This innovative facility marks the largest and most advanced project in the utility’s 106-year history, aiming to transform biosolids into green energy. Utilizing cutting-edge thermal hydrolysis process (THP) technology, the Piscataway Bioenergy Facility stands as one of only seven such installations in the United States. Once operational in early 2025, the facility is expected to produce around $4 million in annual revenue and generate significant cost savings for WSSC Water’s customers, solidifying WSSC Water’s commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility.
Cutting-Edge Technology and Revenue Generation
The Piscataway Bioenergy Facility showcases THP technology, an advanced process that significantly supports WSSC Water’s goal of sustainable operation. Unlike conventional methods, THP technology pre-treats biosolids using high-pressure steam, effectively breaking down organic matter and allowing for enhanced biogas production. The facility aims to process biosolids from all six of WSSC Water’s resource recovery facilities, converting them into valuable biogas. This biogas will then be used to fuel combined heat and power engines, generating cost savings by powering the facility itself and providing surplus energy to Montgomery County’s Ride On bus fleet.
The financial impact of this new facility is substantial. WSSC Water estimates it will save customers approximately $3.4 million annually in operating costs while producing around $4 million in annual revenue. This economic benefit stems from lower energy and disposal costs, enhanced efficiency, and the sale of surplus energy. These savings and revenue streams highlight the dual benefits of technological investment and sustainability goals. WSSC Water’s innovative step underscores the utility’s broader commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and enhancing energy efficiency. Notably, the surplus energy sold to Montgomery County will contribute to the powering of local public transportation, evidencing the facility’s broader community impact.
Sustainability and Community Impact
The Piscataway Bioenergy Facility not only represents a major stride in technological advancement but also an impactful step toward Maryland’s sustainability goals. It significantly reduces WSSC Water’s carbon footprint by using biosolids that would otherwise be disposed of in landfills, turning potential waste into a valuable resource. One of the remarkable aspects of this transformation is the production of Class A biosolids, a clean, pathogen-free byproduct that serves as an effective soil amendment. This beneficial reuse promotes sustainable agricultural practices, as the biosolids can be employed to enrich soil, leading to tangible agricultural and environmental benefits.
The project’s community impact extends beyond environmental gains. The Piscataway Bioenergy Facility’s development has been a collaborative endeavor involving PC Construction, Stantec, and Hazen and Sawyer, along with over 120 subcontractors and vendors. This cooperation highlighted inclusivity, as evidenced by the participation of 34 Minority Business Enterprises (MBE) and Small Local Business Enterprises (SLBE). These contributions accounted for nearly 150 jobs, showcasing a dedication to community engagement and economic empowerment. This inclusivity aligns with broader efforts to promote local businesses and foster community growth.
Milestone in Environmentally Responsible Infrastructure
In a groundbreaking step towards environmental sustainability and technological advancement, WSSC Water has launched its $271 million Piscataway Bioenergy Facility in Prince George’s County, Maryland. This state-of-the-art facility is not only the largest but also the most sophisticated project in the utility’s 106-year history. Its mission is to convert biosolids into renewable energy using advanced thermal hydrolysis process (THP) technology. The Piscataway Bioenergy Facility is one of only seven such plants in the United States.
Scheduled to begin operations in early 2025, the facility aims to generate approximately $4 million in annual revenue while also offering significant cost savings for WSSC Water’s customers. This initiative underscores WSSC Water’s dedication to innovation and environmental stewardship. The project is expected to have a lasting impact on the community, providing both economic and ecological benefits, and reinforcing WSSC Water’s role as a leader in sustainable utility management.
