Naperville, IL –U.S. Representative Judy Biggert (R-IL-13^th) today joined officials from the City of Naperville, Packer Engineering, Argonne National Laboratory and the Naperville Development Partnership for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the launch of the City’s new Green Fuels Depot.  At the Springbrook Waste Facility, participants discussed the innovative technology that will convert yard waste into renewable fuel (electricity, hydrogen and ethanol) to power the City of Naperville’s flex fuel fleet vehicles.  A senior member of the U.S. House Science, Space and Technology Committee, Biggert has been a longtime supporter of the project.   

            “The Green Fuels Depot is a remarkable energy breakthrough that will solidify Naperville’s status as a role model for other communities across the nation,” said Biggert, Co-Chair of the Congressional Research and Development Caucus.  “This project is a win-win for local residents because it will yield cost and energy savings for taxpayers while reducing emissions.  It’s these types of cutting-edge technologies that will help America to finally break its addiction to foreign oil.”
          
           The ribbon-cutting ceremony featured a demonstration of the gasifier, which can convert wood chips at a rate of one ton per day and produce enough electricity to power up to 15 suburban homes.  The event marked the culmination of a multi-year, public-private partnership that promises to make Naperville a standard bearer for environmentally-sustainable technology.  Biggert helped to secure federal support for the project in 2009.

            “The Green Fuels Depot is a fantastic example of how the City of Naperville is leading the way in terms of forward-thinking technologies that will make for a greener tomorrow,” said City of Naperville Mayor A. George Pradel.  “This type of facility is something that will benefit many generations to come and shows that Naperville cares about our environment and our future.”

            “The Naperville Development Partnership applauds these types of public/private activities.  High-tech innovations such as the GFD have far-reaching implementation potential, but closer to home, this project speaks to Naperville’s vision for attracting jobs in emerging industries,” said Christine Jeffries, President of the Naperville Development Partnership.

            “The Green Fuels Depot is a demonstration of green technologies all working together to provide valuable service to communities,” said Alan Wilks, Ph.D., Senior Director at Packer Engineering.  “The project would not have been possible without the advocacy and support of both Congresswoman Judy Biggert and the City of Naperville.”

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