Watch Food to Fuel from WGBH Television.
On a recent ‘No Boundaries Radio Hour’ show we focused on the technology known as anaerobic digestion. New legislation passed in Massachusetts regarding the disposal of and classification for organic wastes in landfills coupled with a revised net metering policy to include anaerobic digestion is changing the viability of this technology as an energy source. This technology has seen steady growth for decades nationwide and is certain to gain in strength here in Massachusetts.
What is Anaerobic Digestion We all know something about aerobic digestion, the natural process that occurs whenever we leave organic material to the open air. It slowly breaks down into compost. Many companies take advantage of this process on a commercial scale. Anaerobic digestion occurs when we break down organic materials such as animal manure, food scraps and other organic materials by heating it up under pressure. In a project such as the one installed by AGreen Energy, LLC the methane gas created by the digester unit is used to power a generator for the production of electricity. The slurry that results from the process makes an excellent fertilizer for the farm. Organics, once only considered waste now become a source of energy and create a closed loop of zero waste. Modern digesters produce a lot of electricity. The AGreen Energy digester, located on Jordan Dairy Farms in Rutland, MA produces enough electricity to power over 350 homes or over 300 kW hours. Measured another way: 1 cow (with organics mixed in from regional sources) equals roughly one house for a year.
The Benefits Anaerobic digestion is oderless, it solves the farmers issue with what to do with excess manure. Imagine a future where digesters mitigate the issue of industrial manure lagoons on this country’s concentrated animal feedlot operations (CAFO). It also turns food waste (we waste nearly 40% of our food in the US) into a renewable energy source. The electricity is produced in a non-combustible unit at an efficient rate of delivery and production, particularly in a region like New England that cannot source its own power. Taking AGreen Energy as an example, the technology presents an opportunity for farmers to not only reduce or fix their energy costs but deliver power to the grid to generate revenue. Farmer owned systems present a 21st century opportunity for farmers to realize success, a particular challenge on small dairy farms typical of the dairy industry in the northeast.
Why digesters are heating up in Massachusetts
Beginning in 2014 the disposal of organic waste in landfills throughout the Commonwealth will be restricted. Specifically commercial enterprise, hospitals, restaurants, etc. will be required to find alternatives to dumping selected organics into landfills. A similar transition will occur for all residential organics. This waste can now be re-classified as an energy source. Another key update to the renewable energy policy of Massachusetts is the addition of anaerobic digesters to the list of renewable energy sources that can take advantage of net metering and the ability to sell energy credits (SRECS) on the open energy market.
What’s been missing The conversion of organic materials into methane through heat is nothing new. For at least four decades this process has become common throughout Europe. In Germany alone there are 7000 anaerobic digesters in use. So why has the US been slow to adopt? Besides steps taken outlined above the key reason why the digester market is only now heating up involves the cost of electricity. Just as with other renewable energy sources, the increasing cost of producing and delivering electricity to your door has allowed for the anaerobic digester market to begin what is sure to be a rapid maturation in the northeast and similar regions throughout the US where the conditions are right.
Scott Graves is passionate about helping business owners. Tune in to his show ’The No Boundaries Radio Hour’ with co-Host Dennis Mannone on the No Boundaries Radio Network. Meet him at the crossroads between strategy and innovation at scott@smgravesassociates.com or twitter @smgcreative.