November 18, 2009
Providing new water-energy nexus opportunities for state
Tel Aviv - Lieutenant Governor John D. Cherry, Jr., while on an investment mission this week, secured a commitment from a second Israeli company, EMEFCY, to locate a pilot project in Michigan. EMEFCY technology involves energy generation directly from wastewater which can be used in industrial and municipal wastewater treatment plants, in the food-processing industry, and in the agricultural community for confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs).
"This commitment is another important step in establishing Michigan as the gateway to water technology in North America," said Cherry. "Green Jobs for Blue Waters has played a pivotal role in Michigan's economic diversification."
During his investment mission, the lieutenant governor met with over 20 CEOs from leading Israeli water technology companies while making the case for locating their businesses in Michigan. He also co-chaired a Michigan/Israel joint task group meeting, which resulted in the formulation of future economic development opportunities for Michigan.
The Oakland County water resources commissioner has been actively working with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) to help identify innovative water technologies through their H2Opportunities initiative.
"EMEFCY's technology will be utilized in municipal/industrial/agricultural wastewater facilities," said John McCulloch, water resource commissioner of Oakland County. "We hope the technology will help us to reduce energy costs at wastewater plants throughout Michigan."
"This water technology initiative is an important part of the state's economic development efforts," said Greg Main, CEO of the MEDC and a member of the Michigan/Israel joint task group established under a memorandum of understanding signed by Governor Granholm last year and co-chaired by Cherry.
EMEFCY is the leading Israeli company working on the commercialization of microbial fuel cells. This technology, which generates energy directly from wastewater, will reduce the high energy costs associated with wastewater treatment as well as reducing the carbon footprint of the operation.
"We are looking forward to successfully developing this project in the state of Michigan," said Eytan Levy, CEO of EMEFCY. "We recognize Michigan's leadership in the growing water-technology market."
For more information please visit www.emefcy.com.
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