The Anheuser-Busch brewery in Houston is to be supplied with biogas, for use as an alternative fuel source, by Republic Services it was announced today (24th June). The project, developed in partnership with Ameresco, will see the brewery supplied with biogas from the McCarty Road landfill site six miles away. The biogas will be used to generate steam for the brewery's poerplant and will, says the company, provide over 55% of its fuel needs.

"We routinely evaluate innovative energy technologies to help support our operations and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels," said Richard Wohlfarth, general manager of Anheuser-Busch's Houston brewery.  "In addition to utilizing this alternative source of fuel, through active conservation efforts at our Houston brewery we've reduced our fuel usage by 15 percent and our electricity use by more than five percent in the last 18 months.  We take great pride in our ongoing efforts to reduce our environmental impacts by increasing efficiencies at our facilities and using innovative technologies while maintaining our quality standards."

"McCarty Road Landfill has been an important part of the community for more than 34 years," said Rusty Waldrup, area president, Republic Services. "As a key employer and a long-time supporter of community initiatives, we're excited to be part of an important alternative energy project."

McCarty Road Landfill is the main recipient of refuse from the residents and businesses in east Houston and the surrounding suburbs. The landfill employs more than 124 area residents.