In a collaborative effort, quasar energy group and The Ohio State University have initiated construction on the demonstration scale “integrated anaerobic digestion system” (iADs) in Zanesville, Ohio.   The patent pending technology was developed at OSU by Dr. Yebo Li.  The technology couples quasar’s liquid anaerobic digestion technology with solid-state anaerobic digestion to increase energy outputs, expand the feedstock base, and broaden the market application for the system. 

The primary benefit of the coupled system is the ability to accept high solids material such as corn silage, yard waste, and food waste.

“iADs will allow quasar to accept and process a wider range of high solids feedstocks including high volume off spec and major market recall material – expanding our business to offer customers a full-service solution to their waste management challenges,” comments Mel Kurtz, President of quasar.  “The partnership with OARDC applies research to improving the way we do business.”

Dennis Hall, Assistant Director of the Ohio BioProducts Innovation Center states, “OBIC is excited about the iADs technology as it allows for new solid waste streams to be converted to energy and a compost-like material.”

The demonstration scale facility is located adjacent to quasar’s operational digester at 6400 Maysvile Pike.  Construction is scheduled to be completed by late April 2012. 

"quasar has been an excellent partner for OARDC/OSU as they rapidly adapt and adopt new technologies while moving forward with their core commercial development plans", comments Dr. Steven Slack, Associate Vice President for Agricultural Administration and Director OARDC.

Demonstration of iADs in Zanesville, Ohio is made possible in part through funding provided by The Ohio Third Frontier Advanced Energy Program and the Ohio Department of Development’s ARRA State Energy Program. 

quasar is a Cleveland, Ohio based waste-to-energy company with a superior laboratory and engineering facility on the OSU-OARDC campus.  quasar designs, builds, owns and operates anaerobic digestion facilities using US components to produce clean renewable energy.    For more information on quasar, go to www.quasarenergygroup.com.

The Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center (OARDC) is the research arm of the College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, The Ohio State University.  OARDC research and development is focused on the following strategic areas:  Advanced bioenergy and biobased products; Food security, production and human health; and Environmental quality and sustainability.

The Ohio BioProducts Innovation Center (OBIC) is an alliance of industry and academic organizations that links research capabilities with industry needs to accelerate commercialization of agbioscience technologies.  Created in 2005 as a Third Frontier program, OBIC supports Ohio’s specialty chemical, polymer, and advanced material industries with bio-based alternatives to fossil resources.