LANSING – Representative Lee Gonzales (D-Flint Township) and Lt. Governor John Cherry, representing Governor Jennifer M. Granholm, announced this week that the City of Flint and alternative energy leader Swedish Biogas International will undertake a project to produce alternative energy from waste removed from the city's wastewater treatment plant. The plant will produce biogas – an alternative energy that can fuel vehicles, and generate heat and electricity.
"Based on Governor Granholm's trade mission to Sweden in 2007 and the vision of U.S. Ambassador Michael Wood, Michigan has the potential to be the gateway for demonstrating how biogas generation technology can be used to operate mass transit buses and municipal vehicles," Gonzales said. "The scope of the project involves Swedish Biogas International AB, the City of Flint, Kettering University and other organizations dealing with research and development. Our effort is part of Michigan's strategy to create Centers for Excellence in alternative fuel development."
Also participating in the announcement were Flint Mayor Donald Williamson and Consul General of Sweden Lennart Johansson as well as representatives of Swedish Biogas International, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Kettering University and the Genesee Regional Chamber of Commerce.
The creation of this plant in Michigan puts the state at the center of in-demand research and development of technology that will help reduce reliance on fossil fuels and help businesses and communities reach their "green energy" goals.
The project is a result of Governor Granholm's investment mission to Sweden in August of 2007 and has the active support of U.S. Ambassador to Sweden Michael Wood. Granholm traveled to
Sweden last year to meet with government and company officials, in an effort to develop alternative energy partnerships and encourage investment in Michigan. Sweden is a recognized global leader in renewable fuels with more than 65 percent of heating needs of all buildings derived from biomass waste.
The Flint-Sweden demonstration project lays the groundwork for eventual creation of a Michigan Center of Energy Excellence, an initiative outlined in the Governor's State of the State address earlier this year. Centers of Excellence will link a job-creating alternative energy company with a university where they will co-locate to conduct research and create new jobs. Center partners may include Kettering, Swedish Biogas and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.
U.S. Rep. Dale Kildee (D-Flint) is working to secure federal support in the U.S. House of Representatives, and U.S. Senators Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow also are reviewing possibilities to enhance federal collaboration.
"With this proven, time-tested technology and with our new partners from Sweden, we are positioning Michigan as pioneers in a new economy," Gonzales said. "This is a great opportunity for new business investment and job growth in alternative energy for America."