“Halifax County Biomass is proceeding toward completion of construction and startup testing in the third quarter of 2013,” said NOVI President Anand Gangadharan.  “We’re pleased to join with members of the Halifax County Biomass team in celebrating this milestone on the way toward achieving commercial operation of HCB later this year.”

HCB is a 49.9 megawatt “green” biomass-fueled power plant being built on a 104-acre site in the Halifax County Industrial Park in South Boston, Va.  NOVI Energy is the project developer and is overseeing design and construction work under contract to NOVEC.  NOVI Energy initiated the project when it conducted a feasibility study demonstrating the project’s viability for the Halifax County Industrial Development Authority.

NOVI Energy is an entrepreneurial company that provides a broad range of services in energy consulting, energy management and energy infrastructure project development for utility, industrial, institutional and commercial clients across the United States and the world.  For more information, visit www.novienergy.com or call 248-735-6684.

December 17, 2012

NOVI Energy today announced Robert J. “Rob” Zeldenrust has been appointed to the new position of Vice President, Business Operations for NOVI Energy and General Manager of the Fremont Community Digester (FCD). FCD is a $22 million anaerobic digester that will generate renewable electricity by processing organic wastes in Fremont, Michigan.

“Rob Zeldenrust will help NOVI Energy develop new energy infrastructure projects including biomass, biogas and natural gas combined-cycle power projects,” said NOVI President Anand Gangadharan. “We’re excited to add him to the NOVI team.” Mr. Zeldenrust is based at the Fremont Community Digester and assisting in management of its current startup testing.

Mr. Zeldenrust was previously senior manager of North Central Cooperative, a Wabash, Indiana-based agricultural cooperative with operations in Fremont. He joined Fremont Cooperative, which was acquired by North Central, in1991 and became General Manager in 1994. A native of Fremont, Mr. Zeldenrust is a 1981 graduate of Fremont High School. He earned an agricultural degree from Michigan State University in 1983.

NOVI Energy developed and is managing the FCD facility, which will convert 100,000 tons per year of organic wastes from food processing and other industries into 3 megawatts of renewable electricity. FCD’s electric generation is contracted for sale to Consumers Energy under an agreement approved by the Michigan Public Service Commission.

FCD is the first large-scale anaerobic digester in the United States that will take organic waste from multiple waste streams, including food processing wastes as well as agricultural wastes. It digests these wastes in enclosed tanks to produce biogas, which will fuel two reciprocating engine-generators to produce base load renewable electricity. FCD’s web site is www.fcdbiogas.com.

NOVI Energy is an entrepreneurial company that provides a broad range of services in energy consulting, energy management and energy infrastructure project development for utility, industrial, institutional and commercial clients across the United States and the world. For more information, visit www.novienergy.com or call 248-735-6684.

By: REW Staff

Supporters and government officials celebrated the startup of the $22 million Fremont Community Digester (FCD) plant, in Freemont, Mich., on Oct. 10. FCD produces electric power by processing organic waste.

“Fremont Community Digester is a great example of how innovative Michigan businesses and West Michigan agriculture are partnering to develop new clean energy, which will create new jobs and reduce our dependence on foreign oil,” said U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Chairwoman of the Senate Agriculture Committee during the ceremony.

Sen. Stabenow was joined by Fremont Mayor James Ryneberg, Michigan State Rep. Jon Bumstead (R-Newaygo), Michigan State Sen. Goeff Hansen (R-Hart), U.S. Department of Agriculture State Director James Turner, North Central Cooperative Senior Manager Rob Zeldenrust, INDUS Energy representative Arvin Shah and NOVI Energy President Anand Gangadharan, in cutting a ceremonial ribbon to celebrate the startup of the renewable biomass-fueled power plant.

NOVI Energy developed and is managing the FCD facility, which will convert 100,000 tons per year of food processing organic wastes into 3 megawatts of renewable electricity for sale to Consumers Energy under a long term contract approved by the Michigan Public Service Commission. The FCD is nearing completion of construction and is scheduled to enter commercial operation by the fourth quarter of 2012. Debt financing of the $22 million project, from Comerica Bank, was supported by a $12.8 million USDA Biorefinery 9003 loan guarantee.

“Fremont is the first step in what we expect will be a series of anaerobic digesters to be developed in the United States and elsewhere in the world, producing renewable, sustainable electricity from organic waste to improve our environment and diversify our renewable electricity supply,” said Anand Gangadharan, President of NOVI Energy, the developer and manager of the Fremont project.

FCD is the first large-scale anaerobic digester in the United States that will take organic waste from multiple waste streams, including food processing wastes as well as agricultural wastes, according to NOVI. It digests these wastes in enclosed tanks to produce biogas, which will fuel two reciprocating engine-generators to produce base load renewable electricity.

As a Senior Engineer, you would be joining NOVI Energy, a fast growing energy infrastructure development and energy consulting company.  NOVI Energy provides full scope energy management services including the development and implementation of a broad range of projects. NOVI Energy is involved with projects from renewable energy generation and advanced energy technology applications to traditional energy projects (cogeneration, steam plants, heating and cooling facilities, power conditioning systems and energy storage systems).

This position is located in our office in Novi, Michigan. In this position, you will lead the project team to conduct consulting or project development related tasks.  Work will include feasibility studies, development support, conceptual planning and project execution, while achieving cost and schedule performance and ensuring client satisfaction. The candidate will have to perform energy balance calculations, conceptual designs, project cost estimates and other supporting
analyses to support the early development phase of NOVI projects. More specifically, the individual in this position will serve as the lead engineer to complete various feasibility studies or assessments; and, work with project teams to plan, schedule, contract, and conduct and coordinate detailed phases of engineering, procurement, construction, testing and commissioning work for various energy projects. This position will also involve participation in comprehensive team energy audits of major industrial facilities. The candidate will have opportunity to work with new energy technologies and their applications, and learn and become knowledgeable on the technical, regulatory and contractual aspects of the electric power industry. This position requires domestic and international travel.

Candidate Qualifications

-      Required: Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering with P.E. license.

-      Required: 8-12 years of relevant experience in the energy industry.

-      Required: U.S. Citizenship or U.S. Permanent Residency status.

-      Excellent communications skills, both oral and written; strong interpersonal skills is desired.

-      Ability to work independently to complete project tasks.

-      The ability to obtain results and implement projects cost effectively in a competitive environment.

-      Experience in power generation, renewable energy systems, thermal analysis and/or HVAC is desired.  Highlight experience with energy efficiency, lighting, GSHP, CHP, HVAC, boilers, renewable energy technologies or other specific energy related experience.

We offer a highly attractive compensation and benefits package, including annual performance bonus. You may e-mail your resumes with subject line marked “Position of Senior Engineer” to: lwhite@novienergy.com or mail/fax your
application to:

We are an equal opportunity employer with a drug-free, non-smoking work place. Our employees know about this opportunity. No telephone calls please.

Fremont Community Digester LLC (FCD) is currently accepting applications from qualified applicants to fill five open position of Driver with Class A CDL and Tanker Endorsement.  In this position the successful candidate will be primarily responsible to haul feedstock in tractor trailers, and take direction from the Plant Superintendant to perform a variety of skilled and semi-skilled technical and maintenance work in the operation, maintenance and repair of the digester plant facilities and systems.  Successful candidate will be employed at the plant located in Fremont, MI.

Primary Responsibilities

1. Responsible for the safe, and reliable, transportation of feedstock material to the digester plant.  Tractor trailers are to be operated as per State of Michigan Department of Transportation rules and regulations. Work will involve driving to and from the plant to customer locations on a daily basis.
2. Weigh feedstock materials and other products, record weight and other production data on tags or labels.
3. Position lifting devices under, over, or around loaded pallets, skids, and boxes, and secure material or products for transport to designated areas.
4. Operate or tend to automatic stacking, loading, packaging, or cutting machines.
5. Manually load or unload materials onto or off pallets, skids, platforms, cars, lifting devices or shredding devices.
6. Operate forklift, front end loader or similar equipment to facilitate the operation of different systems at the plant.
7. Move levers and controls that operate lifting devices, such as forklifts, lift beams and swivel-hooks, hoists, and elevating platforms, to load, unload, transport, and stack material.
8. Perform routine maintenance on vehicles and auxiliary equipment, such as cleaning, lubricating, oil changes, recharging batteries, fueling, or replacing liquefied-gas tank.
9. Responsible to maintain a clean and reliable operating fleet of tractor trailers
10. Comply with all procedures and policies implemented by the Plant Superintendent.
11. Assist Plant Field Operator as well as Control Room Operator in completing maintenance activities.
12. Since the technician will be on the road and will help in optimizing the logistics of trucking, it is preferred that the Technician resides within a 20 minute driving distance from the plant.

Knowledge and Skill Requirements

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties. Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities discussed here will be acceptable.

1. An active Commercial Driver License, Class A with Trailer (for liquid hauling) is a minimum requirement for this position as well as a good driving record.
2. A minimum of four years of experience driving tractor trailers, for food and produce operations, agricultural livestock operations, waste water treatment plants or landfills.
3. Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by college level course work in technical or a related field.
4. Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, troubleshooting, repair and maintenance is desired.
5. Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
6. Possession of or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid, C.P.R certificate.
7. Possession of or ability to obtain OSHA Confined Space Training Certification.

Working Conditions

Working conditions are normal for an electric power generation or waste water treatment facility environment, may encounter hot and noisy conditions and may come into contact with various oils and greases.  Operate tractor trailers for hauling feedstock to the digester plant. Work may involve lifting of materials and products up to 50 pounds. Technician must be able to walk and climb ladders to reach valve control wheels, be in good physical condition and strong enough to operate these devices. They must be able to stoop and squat to reach under and see under large fixed machinery heat exchangers and centrifuges. Working in this environment requires the use of safety equipment to include but not limited to eye safety glasses, hearing protection, work boots, and hardhats. Loose fitting clothes and jewelry are not permitted. Good eyesight is needed to read distributed control system screens, gauges and graphic condition charts.

As a Project Engineer, you would be joining NOVI Energy, a fast growing energy management and infrastructure development company. NOVI Energy provides full scope energy management services and develops and implements a broad range of energy projects including traditional cogeneration, renewable energy solutions, energy storage and also advanced energy technology applications including microgrids.

This position is located in our offices in Novi, Michigan. In this position, you will support the project team in energy infrastructure projects, particularly small scale energy generation and combined heat and power projects. Work will include development support, conceptual planning and full implementation, while achieving cost and schedule performance and ensuring client satisfaction. The candidate will have to perform energy balance calculations during development phase of the project. More specifically, the individual in this position will assist the team to plan, schedule, contract, and conduct and coordinate detailed phases of engineering, procurement, construction, testing and commissioning work for various energy projects. This position will also involve participation in comprehensive team energy audits of major industrial facilities. The candidate will have opportunity to learn and work with new energy technologies.  This position requires travel.

Candidate Qualifications:

Required: Bachelor’s Degree in
Mechanical Engineering (minimum GPA of 3.5)

Required: 0-5 years of Project
Engineering experience with small-scale energy generation and other energy infrastructure project implementation.

Excellent communications skills, both oral and written; strong interpersonal skills, negotiation and problem solving knowledge/experience is desired.

The interest and ability to obtain results and implement projects cost effectively in a competitive environment. Learn and become knowledgeable on the technical, regulatory, and contractual aspects of the electric power industry.

The demonstrated ability to perform multiple tasks concurrently. Ability to develop working knowledge of industrial power plant construction, operation, maintenance, and regulation, and of basic financial tools and techniques is desired.

We offer a highly attractive compensation and benefits package, including annual performance bonus. Preference will be given to those candidates who outline how their qualifications and experience match the position requirements.
We are an equal opportunity employer with a drug-free, non-smoking work place.  Our employees know about this opportunity.  NO TELEPHONE CALLS WILL BE ACCEPTED.

You may e-mail or mail/fax your application to:

Fremont Community Digester LLC (FCD) is currently accepting applications from qualified applicants to fill one open position of Field Operator. In this position, the successful candidate will be responsible to take direction from the Plant Administrator and perform a variety of skilled and semi-skilled technical and maintenance work in the operation, maintenance and repair of the digester plant facilities and systems. The successful candidate will be employed at the plant located in Fremont, MI.

Primary Responsibilities

Plant/Mechanical Operations
1. Operate the Plant safely and efficiently. Conduct daily operator walkthrough(s) to monitor all plant systems. Ensure process integrity for biogas production.
2. At the direction of the Plant Administrator, safely start-up or shutdown the digester plant.
3. Operate the plant in accordance with plant operating procedures.
4. Monitor feedstock receiving process.
5. Monitor and record performance of all equipment, gauges and charts in the Fremont Digester Plant. Records statistical data and maintain logs concerning plant operations.
6. Operate, maintain and repair all mechanical equipment including pumps, valves, heat exchangers, mixers, centrifuges, filters, HVAC equipment, augers, H2S removal system, hot water boilers, conveyors, blowers and control equipment.
7. Ensure operational availability of mechanical systems by conducting maintenance activities. Perform repairs of mechanical equipment, scheduled maintenance activities; replace faulty parts or equipment with spares. Minimize the operation of malfunctioning equipment and systems at the plant.
8. Repair and replace all mechanical equipment as necessary. Conduct preventative maintenance activities as per plant procedures.
9. Maintain, modify or repair instrumentation and control equipment including recorders, meters, gauges, switches and other monitoring equipment.
10. Clean and maintain heat exchangers, pump locations and the general premises to maintain a clean operating plant.
11. Monitor and record Biofilter operations. Ensure all odor control processes are adhered to.
12. Communicate system and equipment performance abnormalities to the Plant Administrator.
13. Respond to emergency alarms and remote notification via phone during and after normal working hours. Operator will have to commute to the plant to reset alarms. It is preferred that the operator resides within a 20 minute driving distance from the plant.

Laboratory Operations
1. Conduct periodic testing of feedstock as well as decanter effluent liquids as per established standards and criteria.
2. Collect samples and identify concentrations of chemical, physical or biological characteristics of feedstock and decanter effluent liquid required in accordance with local, state, and federal requirements.
3. Chart lab test results for trend analysis and maintain accurate records of analyses and test results.
4. Maintain lab equipment calibration and verification test records.
5. Performs quality control tests on lab equipment and lab analyses.
6. Evaluate data and compile reports as required.
7. Gather and test feedstock and decanter effluent liquid samples for plant efficiency reports as required in accordance with Local, State, and Federal requirements.

General Operations

1. Assure that plant operates within required standards.
2. As necessary, train other operators in acceptable lab methods and procedures to assure accuracy of test results.
3. Direct and support vendor performed maintenance activities on major equipment.
4. Works with street maintenance patching streets and assisting with snow removal as needed.
5. Participate in and complete safety training courses including CPR and Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus training.
6. Obtain a Commercial Driver License with Trailer (for liquid hauling) to provide backup support for feedstock hauling.
7. Provides back-up to related positions.
8. Serves as a member of various employee committees, as assigned.
9. Other duties as assigned or apparent.

Knowledge and Skill Requirements

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties. Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities discussed here will be acceptable.

1. Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by college level course work in chemistry, biology, environmental science, technical or a related field.
2. A minimum of four years of plant operations experience.
3. Computer proficiency is necessary.
4. Basic knowledge of the operation and maintenance of the electric power generation facility and a process plant.
5. Working knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, troubleshooting, repair and maintenance.
6. Knowledge to review and understand laboratory tests conducted in a digester plant or a waste water treatment facility.
7. Process required skills to operate a variety of lab equipment, reciprocating internal combustion engine generators, pumps, gauges, and other common tools.
8. Principles and practices of laboratory sampling, testing and interpretation.
9. Computer operations and biogas/electric generation plant operations software
10. Proficient in Plant Safety practices and procedures.
11. Familiar with a variety of the concepts, practices, and procedures with respect to biogas/electric generation plant.
12. General familiarity with respect to pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations.
13. Ability to speak and write English clearly.
14. Ability to understand and carry out written and oral instructions.
15. Ability to effectively interpret the policies and objectives of the plant.
16. License or Certificate: Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid, C.P.R certificate. Possession of or ability to obtain OSHA Confined Space Training Certification.
17. A Commercial Driver License with Trailer (for liquid hauling) to provide backup support for feedstock hauling is desired.

Working Conditions

Working conditions are normal for an electric power generation or waste water treatment facility environment, may encounter hot and noisy conditions and may come into contact with various oils and greases. Work may involve lifting of materials and product up to 50 pounds. Operators must be able to walk and climb ladders to reach valve control wheels, be in good physical condition and strong enough to operate these devices. They must be able to stoop and squat to reach under and see under large fixed machinery heat exchangers and centrifuges. Working in this environment requires the use of safety equipment to include but not limited to; eye safety glasses, hearing protection, work boots, and hardhats. Loose fitting clothes and jewelry are not permitted. Good eyesight is needed to read distributed control system screens, gauges and graphic condition charts. Operator must have the ability to read and discern visual images on a variety of media and to operate computer equipment up to long periods of time. The operator must be able to use a shovel, various snow removal equipment, common hand and power tools, wrenches, detection devices, mobile radio, phone, calculator and a variety of lab equipment.

Fremont Community Digester LLC (FCD) is currently accepting applications from qualified applicants to fill one open position of Plant Superintendant. In this position the successful candidate will be responsible for managing and overseeing daily operations of the digester plant, develop establish plant procedures and policies, and maintain good community relations. The successful candidate will be employed at the plant located in Fremont, MI.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Overall responsibility for plant operation, availability, and to meet all plant production goals.
2. Direct and coordinate plant operations within company policies and procedures.
3. Monitor employee work activities to ensure compliance with established policies and procedures.
4. Maintain a clean and safe operating plant.
5. Primary contact for Consumers Energy Company with regard to the operation and maintenance of the interconnection facilities.
6. Ensure that the plant is operating in compliance with all regulatory and permit requirements. Submit reports and necessary filings to various agencies periodically as required in the permits.
7. Establish and maintain professional relationships with regulatory and permit agency personnel.
8. Responsible for quality control of all plant products.
9. Maintain feedstock supply contracts and confirm compliance with contract requirements. Maintain feedstock supplier relationships.
10. Solicit new feedstock supply for continued operation of the plant.
11. Establish and maintain a positive community relationship.
12. Establish and coordinate all shift operation schedule, schedules and methods for providing plant services.
13. Responsible for feedstock collection logistics, schedule and dispatch tractor trailers to various supplier locations. Maintain a week-ahead schedule for feedstock collection.
14. Schedule and conduct periodic meetings with plant operations personnel.
15. Select and train plant operations, technical and administrative staff. Plan, prioritize, assign, supervise, review and participate in the work of staff.
16. Confer with different work areas to ensure coordination of purchasing, production, logistics and shipping.
17. Identify personnel resource needs timely and allocate resources accordingly.
18. Lead, direct and supervise the work of plant employees, contractors or others service providers.
19. Conduct annual employee performance reviews. Work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline procedures.
20. Establish and maintain plant operating budgets.
21. Provide periodic plant performance reports to owners, board and shareholders.
22. Compile monthly Payable and Receivable accounts for further processing.
23. Attend scheduled corporate training and meetings.
24. Plant Maintenance – ensure equipment and system maintenance activities are conducted at periodic intervals. Work with operating personnel and coordinate activities of private contractors to minimize disruption of plant processes and operations.
25. Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of biogas plant operations.
26. Coordinate with operating personnel for laboratory sampling and analysis of feedstock and to ensure compliance with contract as well as compliance with local, State and Federal regulations.
27. Respond to emergency alarms and remote notification via phone during and after normal working hours. Operator will have to commute to the plant to reset alarms. It is preferred that the operator resides within a 20 minute driving distance from the plant.
28. Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS

1. Experience in managing Waste Water Treatment Plants / Landfill stations.
2. Basic knowledge of the operation and maintenance of electric power generation facility.
3. Bachelor’s degree desired and at least 8 years of experience in the field or in a related area.
4. Familiar with a variety of field concepts, practices, and procedures in support of operational excellence.
5. Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals.
6. Obtain a Commercial Driver License with Trailer (for liquid hauling) to provide backup support for feedstock hauling is desired.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Working conditions are normal for an electric power generation or waste water treatment facility environment. Work may involve lifting of materials and product up to 30 pounds. Working in this environment requires the use of safety equipment to include but not limited to; eye safety glasses, hearing protection, work boots, and hardhats. Loose fitting clothes and jewelry are not permitted. Must be able to use a shovel, various snow removal equipment, common hand and power tools, wrenches, detection devices, mobile radio, phone, calculator and a variety of lab equipment.