Engineered Carbon Solutions

Engineered Carbon Solutions (ECS) operated in the alternative energy sector, focusing on the production of a hybrid pellet fuel. The company, led by CEO Michael Curtis, established its first biomass pellet mill in Norwich, Connecticut. A key milestone for the firm was securing $150,000 in pre-seed funding from Connecticut Innovations in 2013, which was matched by private investment capital. This funding was allocated to operationalizing the Norwich pellet mill and launching its core product.

The business centered on manufacturing and distributing an engineered fuel known as Frog City Fuel. This product was a commercial-grade pellet designed for use in standard pellet stoves and boilers. Its composition was a distinctive feature, combining anthracite coal with a significant portion—up to 70%—of recycled, post-consumer biomass. This formulation positioned the fuel as a high-BTU heating alternative that utilized waste materials, thereby reducing reliance on cutting down trees for wood pellets. The business model was based on the local production and sale of these competitively priced pellets, targeting regional consumers for the heating season.

Engineered Carbon Solutions served the residential and commercial heating market, distributing its product through retailers such as Agway. The company's strategy involved leveraging local manufacturing to provide a cost-effective heating solution while also addressing waste reuse. Despite initial funding and interest from other municipalities and energy companies, the company ultimately ceased operations as of January 1, 2018.

Keywords: biomass fuel, pellet fuel, alternative energy, waste to energy, recycled materials, Frog City Fuel, anthracite coal pellets, heating pellets, commercial furnaces, pellet boilers, clean technology, energy production, Connecticut innovations, Michael Curtis, Norwich manufacturing, post-consumer waste, biomass pellet mill, sustainable fuel, Agway supplier