Maryland Environmental Service (MES) announced it has entered into an agreement with Bioenergy DevCo (BDC). MES, a state-owned nonprofit, will provide extensive operational expertise to BDC as it designs, sites, constructs, permits and subsequently operates two anaerobic digestion (AD) facilities planned for the Baltimore area.

BDC, headquartered in Howard County since 2016, is a global provider in the finance, design, construction, engineering and operation of AD facilities. The company recently announced plans to develop facilities in the United States, including Maryland. AD technology naturally breaks down organic waste, typically headed for incineration or landfills, and converts the waste into renewable natural gas and an organic soil amendment. Used extensively internationally, the technology is an environmentally sound means of creating renewable energy while processing organic waste and reducing air, water and soil pollution in local communities.

“This agreement is an important step toward achieving greater environmental sustainability in Maryland,” said Roy McGrath, CEO of MES, in a statement. “We're establishing innovative ways to achieve Governor Hogan’s goal of 100 percent clean energy by 2040. Technology, like through this new anaerobic digestion agreement, will help localities preserve landfill space while disposing of organic waste in an economical and sustainable way. The 50 years of experience MES' team brings to the table will now help facilitate this progressive technology in Maryland and beyond.”

“With their long history and track record throughout Maryland and the Delmarva, we believe MES is the right partner to accelerate the development of AD projects that help municipalities meet their zero waste and renewable energy goals,” said Shawn Kreloff, CEO of Bioenergy DevCo, in a statement.

Under the agreement, MES said it will:

The initial AD facilities are in development for Jessup and planned for Northeast Maryland. Anaerobic digestion will: