It’s been one year since the ribbon was cut for the Bioenergy Recovery Project. That means 365 days of “flush to fuel.” That simple slogan of the Bioenergy Project continues to hold true as Raleigh Water makes strides in the City’s sustainability goals. Over that time the Bioenergy Project has been capturing methane from wastewater and converting it into renewable energy. If that’s not cool enough, here’s some of the top milestones we’ve accomplished along the yearlong journey.
- 92.3 million cubic feet of renewable natural gas. The project turns wastewater into fuel that helps power GoRaleigh buses. Now that’s turning flushes into fuel!
- 56% less leftover waste. The project has reduced the volume of solid material left over after wastewater treatment by more than half.
- Waste that can be reused. Raleigh Water is producing high-quality Class A biosolids (the stuff that’s left after wastewater is processed).The remaining solid material is highly treated so that it can be beneficially reused as a soil conditioner. This high-quality biosolid serves as an alternative, renewable nutrient supply, provides organic matter improvement, and contributes to long-term soil health.
- $2.25 million in revenue. Two successful auctions of renewable fuel credits (called Renewable Identification Numbers, or RINs) have generated over $2 million to support water and sewer operations and maintenance.
- Up to $38.77 million in potential tax rebates. The project qualifies for a federal clean energy tax rebate. This helps Raleigh make the most of public funds, reduce environmental impacts, and build a more sustainable wastewater system for the future.
From flush to fuel! It’s pretty amazing to know that what we flush down the drain can go on to do so much more for our city. The Bioenergy Recovery Project has been years in the making, and it’s continuing to show how investing in innovative solutions today can create a cleaner, greener future for Raleigh. It’s about making the most of our resources, saving money over time, and building a more sustainable city for everyone. One year down and hopefully many more to come.
