Dairies putting waste to work with digester gas
More and more dairies and farming operations are putting waste to work by using the manure from their livestock to create electric and thermal power. Like Lochmead Farms in Oregon, farming operations are taking advantage of new technology, developing renewable energy, receiving tax credits, and reducing emissions.
Digester Gas to Energy
Typically when manure or organic matter breaks down, methane is released into the atmosphere. A digester, or biodigester, captures the livestock manure’s methane and fuels a microturbine to create electricity. The benefit of this relatively new process goes beyond creating biogas or renewable energy (biomethane), as it reduces greenhouse gas emissions and provides a means to accrue carbon credits.
Methane Destruction
By capturing the methane in an oxygen-free or anaerobic digester, a biochemical reaction converts it to 65% methane and 35% carbon dioxide. This reaction is also known as methane destruction. Methane is a greenhouse gas and 21 times more likely to trap heat in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide. So this is indeed a responsible way to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and build emission credits.
Waste to Energy Project
Lochmead Farms in Oregon partnered with Revolution Energy Solutions and other partners to execute a waste to work project. While this was a $2.2 million project, according to a spokesperson for the Oregon Dairy Farmers Association, dairies typically don’t pay for anything except provide the manure. Additionally, this project will receive federal and state tax credits. The local utility company has even contracted with them to buy the digester energy for fifteen years, which is enough to power approximately 300 houses every year, all from 750 milk-producing cows.
The project makes approximately 90% of its income by selling renewable energy, but the balance of its revenue comes from carbon offset credits.
EPA Greenhouse Gas Reporting
The Sage Paramount is an ideal digester gas flow meter
In a digester gas farming operation, some of the equipment commonly used are digesters, microturbines, boilers, and thermal mass flow meters to measure the mass flow rate and demonstrate compliance with EPA reporting standards, the US Livestock Protocol, and Kyoto protocols.
It is no wonder that large farm operations today are tapping into this opportunity to put their waste to work and provide a responsible way to manage waste, create renewable energy and obtain carbon tax credits.
Digester Gas Flow Meter
Sage thermal mass flow meters measure biogas and offer distinct advantages over alternative flow meters. This meter type satisfies gas measurement at wastewater treatment plants, in waste-to-energy projects, and at landfills.
Photo: Peter Griffin
