Local Energy Firm Gets OK to Build Pilot Plant

A company that has developed a process for converting agricultural biomass to auto fuel has received the Planning Board’s OK to build a pilot plant in the Stryker Lane light industrial zone.

Primus Green Energy has been in Hillsborough since 1998. The company appeared before the Planning Board Thursday, June 2 requesting approval to build a pilot plant 35 feet to the rear of the existing 35,000-square-foot building. No variances or waivers were sought.

Dr. Moshe Ben-Rueven, founder and co-CEO of Primus Green, explained that the facility would be “a demonstration of a concept that shows us that the principal is working.”

The “carport” style structure would be open on all four sides. Because it would be located on existing impervious surface, there would be zero increase within setbacks. The structure would have 30-foot height with a partial second floor that would serve as an equipment platform. A double-walled 500-gallon storage tank would be self-contained.

The company would add 17 parking spaces to the existing 43, create three handicapped spaces and increase its staff.

In response to board member Arthur Stafford-Taylor’s question of how many 55-gallon drums would be on site, Ben-Rueven indicated that there would only be one at any one time.

Marian Fenwick asked if the company had explored local resources for the wood pellets used in the process. Ben-Rueven responded that the pellets are a commercially available product and cannot be made in this region.

“It’s really nice to see an application with a sign that conforms,” said board member Steven Cohen.

The board voted unanimous—with Chairman Steven Cohen recusing himself from the hearing and the vote— to grant Primus Green minor site plan approval with the issuing of a certificate of occupancy subject to a DEP permit and review by the Delaware Raritan Canal Commission, if appropriate.

“It’s nice to see that someone will be hiring,” said Steven Sireci Jr., board vice chair.