New York state AD project moves forward

Global Clean Energy Inc. (GCE), Houston, has provided an update on its project to develop an anaerobic digestion operation on the Seneca AgBio Energy Park in Romulus, N.Y. GCE says it is proceeding with Full Circle Renewables LLC (FCR) at the location. GCE and Seneca will provide land, infrastructure, rail access and gas input facility while Full Circle will provide the technology and operations.

The company adds that to supplement the feedstock required, GCE is moving forward with a biomass drying operation under a tolling agreement with Novera Proteins Inc. http://www.noveraprotein.com/ to process biomass feedstock, including grape pumice from local wineries, to produce supplemental agricultural feedstock for the AD plant.

"We're thrilled at the progress of realizing our vision of a true energy park that utilizes waste materials from the farms, wineries and yogurt manufacturers while revitalizing the Army Depot and creating much needed jobs. This is truly a win, win for the community," says Michael Coia, president of Seneca BioEnergy.

"FCR welcomes the opportunity to be working with GCE and the Seneca Energy Park to develop another AD project to meet the biogas needs of our customers," says Jim Quan, CEO of Full Circle Renewables.

The Seneca AgBio Green Energy Park project has been awarded a $2 million incentive from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), for the production of electricity. In addition, the state has awarded the site with a tax exempt bonding package of $7 million for capital purchases of equipment and infrastructure. GCE also has applied for New York StartUP tax incentives.

GCE foresees an investment of $25 million in 2014. Additionally, GCE feels that the project could generate more than $9 million in annual revenue by 2015.

Steven Mann, GCE's chief development officer, expects the park to house two additional waste-to-energy technologies over the next two to three years.