Microbial Fuel Cell Wastewater Treatment System MicroGen Pilots at Brewery: Generating Power While Treating Wastewater
Cambrian Innovation's MicroGen microbial fuel cell system deployed at a California craft brewery uses organic matter in wastewater to generate electricity, producing 150 kilowatt-hours of power daily while treating wastewater.
Microbial Fuel Cell Wastewater Treatment System MicroGen Pilots at Brewery: Generating Power While Treating Wastewater
U.S.-based Cambrian Innovation completed the deployment of its MicroGen microbial fuel cell system on July 28 at a craft brewery in Santa Cruz, California. The system uses organic matter in wastewater as "fuel" for microorganisms, which directly convert chemical energy into electrical energy as they break down the organic compounds.
The brewery produces approximately 50,000 liters of high-concentration organic wastewater daily. While treating this wastewater, MicroGen generates about 150 kilowatt-hours of electricity per day — enough to power the brewery's lighting system. The treated water meets irrigation standards and can be used for the brewery's garden watering.
Cambrian Innovation states that MicroGen's payback period is approximately three years, making it particularly suitable for industries with high-concentration organic wastewater discharge, such as food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and paper manufacturing.
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