Biomass Energy

One of the most remarkable energy systems is the one that uses wastewater from the Anheuser-Busch Brewery in St. Louis. It generates fuel using bacteria to consume organic compounds in the dirty water. The methane released by the bugs supplies 15 percent of the brewery's fuel. The unique system has lower capital and operating costs than a conventional one and releases just half the solid waste. Anheuser-Busch plans to use the bio-energy recovery system in eight breweries, saving more than $40 million annually.

Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc.

Bio-Energy Recovery
In response to rising fuel prices in the late 1970s, Anheuser-Busch looked for ways to gain control over energy and other utility costs. The company began exploring anaerobic treatment of organic nutrients in wastewater, in which bacteria consume organic compounds under water, releasing biogas that bubbles to the top of the tank. The biogas (mostly methane) is collected and used for fuel (bio-energy recovery), and solid waste is reduced. In addition, constructing and using a bio-energy recovery system requires less capital and operating expenses than expanding conventional treatment facilities.

Achievements:

The process produces a renewable source of energy that provides 10-15 percent of a brewery's fuel needs. The process reduces wastewater by about 80 percent, allowing municipal plants that treat the remaining wastewater to use 80 percent less electricity to accomplish this task, reducing emissions by 80 percent and enhancing regional air quality. Solid waste is reduced by 50 percent, freeing up capacity at local municipal treatment plants, and increasing brewery capacity. By the year 2000, it is estimated that eight facilities with bio-energy recovery systems will save more than $40 million annually. Contact: Bill Sugar, Anheuser-Busch, phone: (314) 577-3730

Source: Sugar 1997