An alternative energy company based in Charlotte, N.C., is in talks to establish four processing plants in the D.C. area.
EcoPlus announced Thursday it is in preliminary negotiations with a private developer to open the plants in both Virginia and D.C.
EcoPlus has developed a technology to convert brown grease into a granular substance similar to coal, explained Bill Scherffius, chief operating officer for EcoPlus. Though it doesn’t have enough power to completely replace coal, the recycled grease can be used effectively in conjunction with coal by companies such as cement manufacturers. A patent on the process is pending approval.
Brown grease is produced mainly by restaurants, though it is chemically different from the yellow grease that comes from frying oil and similar products, explained Scherffius, Monday. The grease comes from floor drains and pot sinks, and gets trapped by in-ground interceptors.
“It’s a very difficult material to process or do anything with, and very difficult to dispose of,” Scherffius said. Usually it ends up in landfills, he said.
Nathan Hultman, a professor of science, technology and international affairs at Georgetown University, said the process of converting restaurant waste to renewable energy has been investigated for years, but most endeavors have concentrated on converting it to liquid fuel.
Scherffius would not confirm specifically where in Virginia and D.C. the company is looking at to build plants. EcoPlus is also negotiating deals in southern Louisiana and several Western states, according to previous announcements by EcoPlus. If the deal is confirmed, it could take between 18 and 24 months before a plant would be completed, Scherffius said.
