Renewable Energy
Cows, Beans Power Wisconsin Co-op
Cows and beans? No, it’s not a new food combo. It’s shorthand for the sources—one existing, one soon to come on-line—of the methane gas that helps provide power for a Wisconsin G&T.
Dairyland Power Co-op’s industrial-use methane digester, now under construction, will be fueled by biogas from this Wisconsin bean processing facility. (Photo By: Mary Kay Brevig)
Dairyland Power Cooperative has relied for years on “cow power.” The animals’ manure is processed in six methane digester facilities to provide biogas to fuel generators and create renewable energy. Soon, beans will be added to its power portfolio.
The La Crosse-based co-op will purchase power from a facility that will gorge on gas from the wastewater of a bean processing plant near Augusta, Wis., to run a 635-kilowatt generator, enough to power about 500 homes.
The wastewater results from washing and cooking operations at a plant owned by bean behemoth Bush Brothers, and the biogas is produced in a covered lagoon at a nearby treatment facility.
Construction of the renewable energy facility is nearing completion, with commercial operation expected in 2012, Dairyland reported.
The operation will benefit the environment and industry alike, noted Craig Harmes, Dairyland manager, business development. “We continue to seek opportunities to expand our renewable resources,” he added.
The new facility, the Dairyland system’s first industrial-use methane digester, will be served by Eau Claire Energy Cooperative, a G&T member.
“It is a significant milestone when three entities work together to create yet another renewable energy facility for the benefit of the communities we all serve,” said Lynn Thompson, CEO and president of Fall Creek, Wis.-based Eau Claire.
“Renewable energy facilities have added a positive element to the way we provide electricity for our co-op members.”
Tags: Renewable Energy