From an article by Rich Redman on Insight:
Don’t let waste go to waste. That’s Gary Radloff’s thinking. The interim director of the Wisconsin Bioenergy Initiative (WBI) housed at the University of Wisconsin-Madison says “we have the opportunity to take waste and make something of it!”
Radloff, who recently keynoted a roundtable session called Biogas Opportunities in Wisconsin and The New North at Short Elliott Hendrickson in Appleton, is a firm believer that “this region of the country is well positioned to take advantage of the bio-economy – lots of historical experience with wood pulp and agriculture.”
Biogas is produced by the anaerobic (absence of oxygen) decomposition of organic matter. Waste such as cow manure, crop residue or byproducts from milk and cheese plants is fed into a closed vessel called a biodigester. There, microbes in the presence of heat and absence of oxygen break down the organic matter to create biogas, which is made up of 50 to 75 percent methane.
The methane can be then combusted for electricity and heat or upgraded for use in pipelines or transportation fuel. Depending on the digester technology chosen, there can be two other valuable byproducts of the decomposition process: nutrient-rich solids that can be used for fertilizer, animal bedding, particle board or fill dirt; and a non-odorous liquid rich in nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus that can be applied to farm fields as fertilizer.
The interest in biogas has grown significantly in the past 15 years, Radloff says. Germany is the world leader in this technology, with more than 6,000 plants.
In contrast, as of December 2010, there were only 152 farm scale biogas facilities in the United States. Wisconsin leads all states with 26 on-farm plants.
The Wisconsin Bioenergy Initiative’s 2011 strategic plan points out that about 82 percent of Wisconsin’s energy comes from out-of-state sources. About $18 billion leaves the state each year to purchase energy for businesses, power to heat homes and fuel vehicles. The same research shows that, if the 23 million tons of manure produced each year were converted to natural gas, Wisconsin would offset 4.4 percent of its energy need – a $185 million underutilized opportunity.
Showing posts with label Digesters. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Digesters. Show all posts
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
UW-Oshkosh partners in second dynamic biodigester project
From a news release issued by the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh:
Wisconsin’s largest dairy farm will be home to one of Wisconsin’s most dynamic research, renewable energy production and public education facilities as part of an initiative involving the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh’s College of Letters and Science and UW Oshkosh Foundation.
On Aug. 24, the UW Oshkosh Foundation Board of Directors unanimously endorsed a proposal to pursue an innovative partnership with Milk Source’s Rosendale Dairy and renewable energy companies Viessmann Group and BIOFerm Energy Systems of Madison.
The proposal calls for construction of a large, wet anaerobic biodigester/biogas production facility at the Pickett dairy site. The plant would use the farm’s livestock manure to make energy. It would also operate as a dynamic, collaborative UW Oshkosh student-and-faculty biosolids research and teaching laboratory with an attached public education center. . . .
The multifaceted energy plant and facility will significantly enhance UW Oshkosh student learning and community outreach opportunities involving environmental and biosolids research. It will also:
* Feature a public education center operated by UW Oshkosh students and faculty. It will introduce Wisconsin K-12 students, educators and residents to the environmental science and engineering involved in harnessing a renewable energy source from a state-of-the-art, 21st Century dairy farming operation. Furthermore, UW Oshkosh is in the early stages of discussions with UW Extension and other constituent groups of using biodigester revenues to develop a new center on rural community development.
* Be available as a remote classroom and laboratory for UW Oshkosh microbiology, biology, environmental studies and chemistry classes. Revenues from the production and sale of energy will further fund the enhancement and growth of laboratories throughout the institution, including the University’s Environmental Research and Innovation Center. The ERIC is home to the institution’s collaborative, student-and-faculty aquatic and sustainability research initiatives.
* Fund a new student scholarship program under development by the UW Oshkosh Foundation.
Wisconsin’s largest dairy farm will be home to one of Wisconsin’s most dynamic research, renewable energy production and public education facilities as part of an initiative involving the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh’s College of Letters and Science and UW Oshkosh Foundation.
On Aug. 24, the UW Oshkosh Foundation Board of Directors unanimously endorsed a proposal to pursue an innovative partnership with Milk Source’s Rosendale Dairy and renewable energy companies Viessmann Group and BIOFerm Energy Systems of Madison.
The proposal calls for construction of a large, wet anaerobic biodigester/biogas production facility at the Pickett dairy site. The plant would use the farm’s livestock manure to make energy. It would also operate as a dynamic, collaborative UW Oshkosh student-and-faculty biosolids research and teaching laboratory with an attached public education center. . . .
The multifaceted energy plant and facility will significantly enhance UW Oshkosh student learning and community outreach opportunities involving environmental and biosolids research. It will also:
* Feature a public education center operated by UW Oshkosh students and faculty. It will introduce Wisconsin K-12 students, educators and residents to the environmental science and engineering involved in harnessing a renewable energy source from a state-of-the-art, 21st Century dairy farming operation. Furthermore, UW Oshkosh is in the early stages of discussions with UW Extension and other constituent groups of using biodigester revenues to develop a new center on rural community development.
* Be available as a remote classroom and laboratory for UW Oshkosh microbiology, biology, environmental studies and chemistry classes. Revenues from the production and sale of energy will further fund the enhancement and growth of laboratories throughout the institution, including the University’s Environmental Research and Innovation Center. The ERIC is home to the institution’s collaborative, student-and-faculty aquatic and sustainability research initiatives.
* Fund a new student scholarship program under development by the UW Oshkosh Foundation.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Now online: Wisconsin Renewable Quarterly
The Wisconsin Renewable Quarterly, the newsletter of RENEW Wisconsin, features these article:
Siting Rule Suspension Rocks Wind Industry
In a move that sent shock waves through the wind industry in Wisconsin, a joint legislative panel voted on March 1 to suspend the wind siting rule promulgated by the Public Service Commission in December 2010.
Community Biogas Project Fires Up
Home to 400 dairy farms, Dane County recently dedicated a community-scale manure-to-methane generating system designed to reduce nutrient runoff into the Yahara Lakes.
Insty Prints: Mpower ChaMpion
But if I can help other businesses make some of the harder choices by being more vocal, then I’m willing to help.
Manitoba Hydro: A Washout?
On behalf of our members and the many businesses and individuals who support the continued expansion of Wisconsin’s renewable energy marketplace, RENEW Wisconsin is here to express opposition to AB 114 (and its companion SB 81), and urges the Legislature not to pass this bill.
Verona Firm Begins Work on “Epic” PV
With the commissioning of its 1,300-module solar electric canopy spanning its parking deck, Epic Systems joins an elite group of Wisconsin companies embracing on-site energy capture to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels. At 360 kilowatts (kW), Epic’s new photovoltaic system is the largest solar array in Dane County and the third largest in Wisconsin.
Calendar of Renewable and Energy Efficiency Events
June 17-19, 2001 The Energy Fair. Custer, WI. The nation’s premier sustainable energy education event. Three days of workshops, demonstrations, and exhibits highlighting renewable energy and sustainable living. For details see www.midwestrenew.org.
July 8-10, 2011 EcoFair360. Elkhorn, WI. Join hundreds of exhibitors and presenters and thousands of attendees who will Make Green Happen for three days of education, exploration and inspiration. For details see www.ecofair360.org.
July 16, 2011 Western Wisconsin Sustainability Fair. Menomonie, WI, Dunn County Fair Grounds. Exhibitors from business, government, and non-profi t groups, speakers, workshops, music, energy effi cient vehicles, a photo contest, and a tour of the Cedar Falls Dam. See http://sustainabledunn.org for more information.
July 30, 2011 8th Annual Kickapoo Country Fair. LaFarge, WI. The Midwest’s Largest Organic Food and Sustainability Festival. Food, music, bike and farm tours, cooking demonstrations, theater, kids’ activities, dancing. More information at www.kickappoocountryfair.org.
October 1, 2011 Solar Tour of Homes and Businesses. All across Wisconsin. Owners open their doors to let people see how renewable energy is practical, reliable, and affordable in today’s economy. The homes and businesses often include other energy efficiency and renewable technologies. For details see http://nationalsolartour.org.
October 26, 2011 Wisconsin’s Solar Decade Conference. Milwaukee, WI. Now in its seventh year, the Wisconsin
Solar Decade Conference is your opportunity to see fi rsthand the latest developments in the world of solar energy. For details see www.solardecade.com.
Siting Rule Suspension Rocks Wind Industry
In a move that sent shock waves through the wind industry in Wisconsin, a joint legislative panel voted on March 1 to suspend the wind siting rule promulgated by the Public Service Commission in December 2010.
Community Biogas Project Fires Up
Home to 400 dairy farms, Dane County recently dedicated a community-scale manure-to-methane generating system designed to reduce nutrient runoff into the Yahara Lakes.
Insty Prints: Mpower ChaMpion
But if I can help other businesses make some of the harder choices by being more vocal, then I’m willing to help.
Manitoba Hydro: A Washout?
On behalf of our members and the many businesses and individuals who support the continued expansion of Wisconsin’s renewable energy marketplace, RENEW Wisconsin is here to express opposition to AB 114 (and its companion SB 81), and urges the Legislature not to pass this bill.
Verona Firm Begins Work on “Epic” PV
With the commissioning of its 1,300-module solar electric canopy spanning its parking deck, Epic Systems joins an elite group of Wisconsin companies embracing on-site energy capture to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels. At 360 kilowatts (kW), Epic’s new photovoltaic system is the largest solar array in Dane County and the third largest in Wisconsin.
Calendar of Renewable and Energy Efficiency Events
June 17-19, 2001 The Energy Fair. Custer, WI. The nation’s premier sustainable energy education event. Three days of workshops, demonstrations, and exhibits highlighting renewable energy and sustainable living. For details see www.midwestrenew.org.
July 8-10, 2011 EcoFair360. Elkhorn, WI. Join hundreds of exhibitors and presenters and thousands of attendees who will Make Green Happen for three days of education, exploration and inspiration. For details see www.ecofair360.org.
July 16, 2011 Western Wisconsin Sustainability Fair. Menomonie, WI, Dunn County Fair Grounds. Exhibitors from business, government, and non-profi t groups, speakers, workshops, music, energy effi cient vehicles, a photo contest, and a tour of the Cedar Falls Dam. See http://sustainabledunn.org for more information.
July 30, 2011 8th Annual Kickapoo Country Fair. LaFarge, WI. The Midwest’s Largest Organic Food and Sustainability Festival. Food, music, bike and farm tours, cooking demonstrations, theater, kids’ activities, dancing. More information at www.kickappoocountryfair.org.
October 1, 2011 Solar Tour of Homes and Businesses. All across Wisconsin. Owners open their doors to let people see how renewable energy is practical, reliable, and affordable in today’s economy. The homes and businesses often include other energy efficiency and renewable technologies. For details see http://nationalsolartour.org.
October 26, 2011 Wisconsin’s Solar Decade Conference. Milwaukee, WI. Now in its seventh year, the Wisconsin
Solar Decade Conference is your opportunity to see fi rsthand the latest developments in the world of solar energy. For details see www.solardecade.com.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Energy groups oppose bill to undermine Wisconsin's renewable energy commitment
From statements issued by three groups in opposition to Assembly Bill 146:
"Clearly, this bill is a drastic step in the wrong direction for our state. The Wisconsin Energy Business Association therefore opposes this attack on renewable energy in our state." - Wisconsin Energy Business Association. Full statement.
We strongly recommend that this bill not be approved as it solves no known problem in Wisconsin and seeks only to roll-back policies on renewable energy that have served the state well and are otherwise benefitting Wisconsin residents with cleaner air and lower prices for electricity. - Wind on the Wires. Full statement.
Fresh attack on Wisconsin voters’ desire for a renewable energy standard would kill wind projects and sap state’s economy, say wind energy advocates - American Wind Energy Association. Full statement.
"Clearly, this bill is a drastic step in the wrong direction for our state. The Wisconsin Energy Business Association therefore opposes this attack on renewable energy in our state." - Wisconsin Energy Business Association. Full statement.
We strongly recommend that this bill not be approved as it solves no known problem in Wisconsin and seeks only to roll-back policies on renewable energy that have served the state well and are otherwise benefitting Wisconsin residents with cleaner air and lower prices for electricity. - Wind on the Wires. Full statement.
Fresh attack on Wisconsin voters’ desire for a renewable energy standard would kill wind projects and sap state’s economy, say wind energy advocates - American Wind Energy Association. Full statement.
Friday, May 20, 2011
UWO, partners dedicate innovative biodigester
From an article by Amanda Wimmer on UW Oshkosh Today:
Once up and running, the nation’s first commercial-scale dry fermentation anaerobic biodigester — an innovative system transforming heaps of food waste and lawn clippings into renewable energy — will produce enough electricity for at least 210 homes per year.
It will also pump out enough energy to heat another, at least, 180 homes per year.
And it will accomplish all this from its modest corner at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh campus, which itself expects to benefit, with about 10 percent of its electricity and heat emanating from the innovative plant.
UW Oshkosh hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony and dedication May 18 to celebrate one more of the institution’s many renewable and sustainable energy initiatives.
“We need to expand the notion of sustainability so it gets highlighted and integrated into all we do,” said Chancellor Richard Wells. “This facility really represents that…it allows us to enhance the state-of-the-art teaching and research happening here.”
Once up and running, the nation’s first commercial-scale dry fermentation anaerobic biodigester — an innovative system transforming heaps of food waste and lawn clippings into renewable energy — will produce enough electricity for at least 210 homes per year.
It will also pump out enough energy to heat another, at least, 180 homes per year.
And it will accomplish all this from its modest corner at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh campus, which itself expects to benefit, with about 10 percent of its electricity and heat emanating from the innovative plant.
UW Oshkosh hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony and dedication May 18 to celebrate one more of the institution’s many renewable and sustainable energy initiatives.
“We need to expand the notion of sustainability so it gets highlighted and integrated into all we do,” said Chancellor Richard Wells. “This facility really represents that…it allows us to enhance the state-of-the-art teaching and research happening here.”
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Anaerobic digesters valuable for odor control
From an article by Nathan Phelps in the Green Bay Press-Gazette:
A decade ago, anaerobic digesters were somewhat of a novelty on Wisconsin dairy farms.
Use of the systems that convert methane gas from manure to electrical power has increased in recent years in the state and nationally. With an average installation cost of $1.5 million, however, most farms have been unable to adopt the technology.
But some in the ag sector are looking at ways digestion can be brought to smaller operations.
Charles Gould, a Michigan State University Extension educator in nutrient management, said he's optimistic the industry someday will be able to deliver a cost-effective digester to farms with herds around 125 cows — the bulk of the nation's dairy farms.
"There are farms that have small digesters, but there are very few of them," he said. "The goal for the small farmer isn't going to be to produce electricity for the grid. If they're going to produce electricity, it's going to be for their own use."
Gould said he sees an untapped market for smaller digesters.
Smaller farmers "want the benefits of odor control. They want the option of bedding. They want the potential to produce electricity," he said. "They want all the advantages the big boys have, but they're not willing to pay the price.
"They must be affordable, and they must be manageable."
The discussion was part of the two-day Midwest Manure Summit at Lambeau Field in Green Bay this week that drew several hundred attendees, including farmers and businesses in the ag sector.
A decade ago, anaerobic digesters were somewhat of a novelty on Wisconsin dairy farms.
Use of the systems that convert methane gas from manure to electrical power has increased in recent years in the state and nationally. With an average installation cost of $1.5 million, however, most farms have been unable to adopt the technology.
But some in the ag sector are looking at ways digestion can be brought to smaller operations.
Charles Gould, a Michigan State University Extension educator in nutrient management, said he's optimistic the industry someday will be able to deliver a cost-effective digester to farms with herds around 125 cows — the bulk of the nation's dairy farms.
"There are farms that have small digesters, but there are very few of them," he said. "The goal for the small farmer isn't going to be to produce electricity for the grid. If they're going to produce electricity, it's going to be for their own use."
Gould said he sees an untapped market for smaller digesters.
Smaller farmers "want the benefits of odor control. They want the option of bedding. They want the potential to produce electricity," he said. "They want all the advantages the big boys have, but they're not willing to pay the price.
"They must be affordable, and they must be manageable."
The discussion was part of the two-day Midwest Manure Summit at Lambeau Field in Green Bay this week that drew several hundred attendees, including farmers and businesses in the ag sector.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Fire spare energy-producing digester at Lake Breeze Dairy in Town of Calumet
From an article in The Northwestern, Oshkosh:
TOWN OF CALUMET — Nine fire departments and quick-thinking owners helped avoid further tragedy Sunday night as fire destroyed a shed at one of Fond du Lac County's largest dairy farms.
The machine and equipment shed at Lake Breeze Dairy, W2651 Kiel Road, was engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived at about 10 p.m. Sunday, according to the Fond du Lac County Sheriff's Department report.
Of immediate concern for firefighters were two engines that convert methane from a digester into electricity that were stored inside the shed, said Brian Gerrits, co-owner of Lake Breeze Dairy.
"I think we did a good job avoiding a catastrophe," Gerrits said. "The anaerobic digester has a lot of methane gas in it. The gas line is a large pipe about 12 inches in diameter that brings the methane into that building. When I was told the building was engulfed … I told (co-owner Mark Diederichs) to make sure every fire department knows what they are dealing with."
Gerrits said firefighters backed away from the shed after hearing about the digester until the gas was shut off.
TOWN OF CALUMET — Nine fire departments and quick-thinking owners helped avoid further tragedy Sunday night as fire destroyed a shed at one of Fond du Lac County's largest dairy farms.
The machine and equipment shed at Lake Breeze Dairy, W2651 Kiel Road, was engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived at about 10 p.m. Sunday, according to the Fond du Lac County Sheriff's Department report.
Of immediate concern for firefighters were two engines that convert methane from a digester into electricity that were stored inside the shed, said Brian Gerrits, co-owner of Lake Breeze Dairy.
"I think we did a good job avoiding a catastrophe," Gerrits said. "The anaerobic digester has a lot of methane gas in it. The gas line is a large pipe about 12 inches in diameter that brings the methane into that building. When I was told the building was engulfed … I told (co-owner Mark Diederichs) to make sure every fire department knows what they are dealing with."
Gerrits said firefighters backed away from the shed after hearing about the digester until the gas was shut off.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Anaerobic digesters valuable for odor control
From an article by Nathan Phelps in the Green Bay Press-Gazette:
A decade ago, anaerobic digesters were somewhat of a novelty on Wisconsin dairy farms.
Use of the systems that convert methane gas from manure to electrical power has increased in recent years in the state and nationally. With an average installation cost of $1.5 million, however, most farms have been unable to adopt the technology.
But some in the ag sector are looking at ways digestion can be brought to smaller operations.
Charles Gould, a Michigan State University Extension educator in nutrient management, said he's optimistic the industry someday will be able to deliver a cost-effective digester to farms with herds around 125 cows — the bulk of the nation's dairy farms.
"There are farms that have small digesters, but there are very few of them," he said. "The goal for the small farmer isn't going to be to produce electricity for the grid. If they're going to produce electricity, it's going to be for their own use."
Gould said he sees an untapped market for smaller digesters.
Smaller farmers "want the benefits of odor control. They want the option of bedding. They want the potential to produce electricity," he said. "They want all the advantages the big boys have, but they're not willing to pay the price.
"They must be affordable, and they must be manageable."
The discussion was part of the two-day Midwest Manure Summit at Lambeau Field in Green Bay this week that drew several hundred attendees, including farmers and businesses in the ag sector.
Small farms hope to afford manure converters
A decade ago, anaerobic digesters were somewhat of a novelty on Wisconsin dairy farms.
Use of the systems that convert methane gas from manure to electrical power has increased in recent years in the state and nationally. With an average installation cost of $1.5 million, however, most farms have been unable to adopt the technology.
But some in the ag sector are looking at ways digestion can be brought to smaller operations.
Charles Gould, a Michigan State University Extension educator in nutrient management, said he's optimistic the industry someday will be able to deliver a cost-effective digester to farms with herds around 125 cows — the bulk of the nation's dairy farms.
"There are farms that have small digesters, but there are very few of them," he said. "The goal for the small farmer isn't going to be to produce electricity for the grid. If they're going to produce electricity, it's going to be for their own use."
Gould said he sees an untapped market for smaller digesters.
Smaller farmers "want the benefits of odor control. They want the option of bedding. They want the potential to produce electricity," he said. "They want all the advantages the big boys have, but they're not willing to pay the price.
"They must be affordable, and they must be manageable."
The discussion was part of the two-day Midwest Manure Summit at Lambeau Field in Green Bay this week that drew several hundred attendees, including farmers and businesses in the ag sector.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Biogas plant to supply energy to UW-Oshkosh
From an article by Rick Barrett of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:
The University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh will soon use food waste and yard waste to produce electricity and heat for the campus.
An anaerobic bio-digester will convert the waste into biogas, which will fuel an on-campus power generator.
When completed this year, the $3.5 million system is expected to generate 5% to 10% of the university's electricity, according to UW-Oshkosh officials.
It also will produce heat for campus buildings and serve as a renewable energy laboratory.
Through energy savings, university officials say the system could pay for itself in seven to 10 years.
UW-Oshkosh ranks 35th in the nation on the Sierra Club's list of environmentally conscious colleges.
"We are not just talking about it. We are doing some things," Tom Sonnleitner, UW-Oshkosh vice chancellor for administration, said Monday.
An anaerobic digester is a system that converts energy stored in organic materials into methane that's used to power a turbine or engine that produces electricity. Excess heat can be used in buildings, and leftover solids can be used as animal bedding or fertilizer.
Wisconsin is the national leader in creating energy from cow manure-using digesters.
The UW-Oshkosh system will use about 8,000 tons of organic waste per year, including garbage from campus cafeterias. It also could use waste from food-processing plants, yard waste such as grass clippings, animal bedding from dairy farms, and methane gas from a nearby sewage treatment plant.
Much of the material normally would be headed for a landfill, said Carolyn Chappell, an engineer with BIOFerm Energy Systems, a Madison firm that's building the bio-digester.
It is the first commercial-scale system of its kind in the United States, according to BIOFerm, whose parent company is in Germany where there are thousands of bio-digesters.
The University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh will soon use food waste and yard waste to produce electricity and heat for the campus.
An anaerobic bio-digester will convert the waste into biogas, which will fuel an on-campus power generator.
When completed this year, the $3.5 million system is expected to generate 5% to 10% of the university's electricity, according to UW-Oshkosh officials.
It also will produce heat for campus buildings and serve as a renewable energy laboratory.
Through energy savings, university officials say the system could pay for itself in seven to 10 years.
UW-Oshkosh ranks 35th in the nation on the Sierra Club's list of environmentally conscious colleges.
"We are not just talking about it. We are doing some things," Tom Sonnleitner, UW-Oshkosh vice chancellor for administration, said Monday.
An anaerobic digester is a system that converts energy stored in organic materials into methane that's used to power a turbine or engine that produces electricity. Excess heat can be used in buildings, and leftover solids can be used as animal bedding or fertilizer.
Wisconsin is the national leader in creating energy from cow manure-using digesters.
The UW-Oshkosh system will use about 8,000 tons of organic waste per year, including garbage from campus cafeterias. It also could use waste from food-processing plants, yard waste such as grass clippings, animal bedding from dairy farms, and methane gas from a nearby sewage treatment plant.
Much of the material normally would be headed for a landfill, said Carolyn Chappell, an engineer with BIOFerm Energy Systems, a Madison firm that's building the bio-digester.
It is the first commercial-scale system of its kind in the United States, according to BIOFerm, whose parent company is in Germany where there are thousands of bio-digesters.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Kewaunee County will produce more renewable energy than the total energy consumed by its residents
From an article by Leigh Ann Wagner Kroening in the Green Bay Press Gazette:
Operating a 2,800-cow dairy operation right on the border of Door and Kewaunee counties has offered Don Niles an opportunity to view the differences between both communities and the residents who live in them.
"I think the folks to our north kind of look down on us," Niles said. "They think we're very blue collar, small-town people. The reality is we're producers, and they're consumers, and I think that's a good thing."
In addition to the milk provided by his Dairy Dreams farm in the town of Lincoln, Niles is producing something his farming counterparts to the north are not — a renewable source of energy that provides power for about 600 homes. He recently installed a $3.2-million methane digester, which supplies energy for the grid owned by Wisconsin Public Service.
"All the methane our cows produce is being captured, destroyed and put to good use," Niles said. "We're excited about the green power and the benefits to our environment."
The recent addition of the digester in Lincoln brings the total number of homes powered by renewable energy sources in Kewaunee County to nearly 8,000. The number of households in Kewaunee County according to the 2000 Census was 7,623 and according to projections from that survey, that number now likely also is close to 8,000.
"I think it's amazing and pretty impressive that one of the smallest counties in Wisconsin really is ahead of the game in the production of green energy," Niles said. "I think that's a positive thing for our community."
Operating a 2,800-cow dairy operation right on the border of Door and Kewaunee counties has offered Don Niles an opportunity to view the differences between both communities and the residents who live in them.
"I think the folks to our north kind of look down on us," Niles said. "They think we're very blue collar, small-town people. The reality is we're producers, and they're consumers, and I think that's a good thing."
In addition to the milk provided by his Dairy Dreams farm in the town of Lincoln, Niles is producing something his farming counterparts to the north are not — a renewable source of energy that provides power for about 600 homes. He recently installed a $3.2-million methane digester, which supplies energy for the grid owned by Wisconsin Public Service.
"All the methane our cows produce is being captured, destroyed and put to good use," Niles said. "We're excited about the green power and the benefits to our environment."
The recent addition of the digester in Lincoln brings the total number of homes powered by renewable energy sources in Kewaunee County to nearly 8,000. The number of households in Kewaunee County according to the 2000 Census was 7,623 and according to projections from that survey, that number now likely also is close to 8,000.
"I think it's amazing and pretty impressive that one of the smallest counties in Wisconsin really is ahead of the game in the production of green energy," Niles said. "I think that's a positive thing for our community."
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Proposed Door County biogas plant offers green energy solution
From an article by Ramelle Bintz in the Door County Advocate:
The prospect of a new miniature power plant supplying electricity for 400 homes in Door County also lit up the imaginations of Sturgeon Bay Plan Commission members Wednesday.
Owners of Efrim Industries LLC previewed how waste products could be processed at a dairy farm or other waste site and brought to the former Door County Highway Department shop at 916 N. 14th Ave. for conversion into electricity.
Efrim proposes to lease or purchase the vacant 30,000-square-foot industrial building from the county and retrofit it for non-toxic fuel storage, a biomass fuel feeding system, a "gasifier," steam turbine and baghouse.
The presentation sparked several questions about what type of waste can be recycled in Sturgeon Bay and why the company chose Door County to launch their new prototype. Owners said they also want to convert the facility to use as corporate headquarters, showcase the model here and market it worldwide.
The large farms in nearby Kewaunee and Brown counties, as well as those of Door County are a major reason Efrim Industries was attracted to the area, co-founder and president Raphael Fink told commissioners.
"The recent downturn in the shipbuilding trade has left Door County with many skilled and highly trained people available to construct and operate the Sturgeon Bay facility," Fink said. "The state of Wisconsin and the federal government are providing many financial incentives for businesses willing to establish themselves and create jobs in Sturgeon Bay. The port of Sturgeon Bay also allows easy access to Lake Michigan."
Door County Economic Development Corp. Director Bill Chaudoir and city Community Development Director Marty Olejniczak have been working behind the scenes with the firm and were also at Wednesday's meeting. Efrim also has been in negotiations with the county government, which owns the site that has been vacant several years.
The prospect of a new miniature power plant supplying electricity for 400 homes in Door County also lit up the imaginations of Sturgeon Bay Plan Commission members Wednesday.
Owners of Efrim Industries LLC previewed how waste products could be processed at a dairy farm or other waste site and brought to the former Door County Highway Department shop at 916 N. 14th Ave. for conversion into electricity.
Efrim proposes to lease or purchase the vacant 30,000-square-foot industrial building from the county and retrofit it for non-toxic fuel storage, a biomass fuel feeding system, a "gasifier," steam turbine and baghouse.
The presentation sparked several questions about what type of waste can be recycled in Sturgeon Bay and why the company chose Door County to launch their new prototype. Owners said they also want to convert the facility to use as corporate headquarters, showcase the model here and market it worldwide.
The large farms in nearby Kewaunee and Brown counties, as well as those of Door County are a major reason Efrim Industries was attracted to the area, co-founder and president Raphael Fink told commissioners.
"The recent downturn in the shipbuilding trade has left Door County with many skilled and highly trained people available to construct and operate the Sturgeon Bay facility," Fink said. "The state of Wisconsin and the federal government are providing many financial incentives for businesses willing to establish themselves and create jobs in Sturgeon Bay. The port of Sturgeon Bay also allows easy access to Lake Michigan."
Door County Economic Development Corp. Director Bill Chaudoir and city Community Development Director Marty Olejniczak have been working behind the scenes with the firm and were also at Wednesday's meeting. Efrim also has been in negotiations with the county government, which owns the site that has been vacant several years.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
UW-Oshkosh works to modernize facilities with renewable energy
From an article by Doug Zellmer in the Appleton Post-Crescent:
Work is expected to start soon on a $32 million suite-style residence hall, and the new $40 million academic building started about a year ago should be completed by next summer.
Also, a groundbreaking ceremony will take place Wednesday for the nation's first commercial-scale dry fermentation anaerobic biodigester.
"We're very excited. What we're trying to provide is the right kind of facilities for staff, students and the community," said Tom Sonnleitner, vice chancellor for administrative services at UWO. . . .
The suite-style residence hall will have a geothermal heating and cooling field that will provide 50 percent of the building's
heat. . . .
It is expected to save the school an estimated $182,000 a year in energy costs. A thin layer of indigenous drought resistant plant species will be placed on a portion of the new academic building roof to absorb heat and control stormwater runoff. Solar heat panels will heat water in the building. . . .
Officials from UWO reported the renewable energy facility (biodigester) located on Dempsey Trail adjacent to the Campus Services Center, will include heat and power generators, which will produce up to 10 percent of the campus's electricity and heat. The majority of the 8,000 tons of organic biodegradable waste needed per year will be produced by campus and community sources.
Work is expected to start soon on a $32 million suite-style residence hall, and the new $40 million academic building started about a year ago should be completed by next summer.
Also, a groundbreaking ceremony will take place Wednesday for the nation's first commercial-scale dry fermentation anaerobic biodigester.
"We're very excited. What we're trying to provide is the right kind of facilities for staff, students and the community," said Tom Sonnleitner, vice chancellor for administrative services at UWO. . . .
The suite-style residence hall will have a geothermal heating and cooling field that will provide 50 percent of the building's
heat. . . .
It is expected to save the school an estimated $182,000 a year in energy costs. A thin layer of indigenous drought resistant plant species will be placed on a portion of the new academic building roof to absorb heat and control stormwater runoff. Solar heat panels will heat water in the building. . . .
Officials from UWO reported the renewable energy facility (biodigester) located on Dempsey Trail adjacent to the Campus Services Center, will include heat and power generators, which will produce up to 10 percent of the campus's electricity and heat. The majority of the 8,000 tons of organic biodegradable waste needed per year will be produced by campus and community sources.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
WPS offers rate to buy agricultural biogas in pilot
From a news release issued by WPS:
Green Bay, WI – Wisconsin Public Service Corporation (WPS) recently received approval from the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin to begin a pilot program to purchase electricity generated from agricultural biogas. In the pilot program, WPS will accept up to 10,000 kilowatts generated from new anaerobic digester operations (no more than 2,000 kilowatts from a single generator) within its service territory. The rate will encourage the development of this renewable resource which will allow WPS to better understand the costs and benefits associated with this type of power purchase, and at the same time provide environmental benefits.
Farmers interested in the program must sign a contract with WPS prior to January 1, 2013.
"Increasing the number of renewable resources is unquestionably good for the environment," said Dennis Derricks, WPS Director of Electric Regulatory Policy. "This tariff is another way to partner with our agricultural customers to find solutions the benefit both parties." Digesters help the farmers with solutions to dealing with vast amounts of waste, while the utility receives another source of renewable energy.
Derricks said WPS has several current digester operations within its territory and this new rate offers "another pricing option specifically for these types of operations." Derricks said the existing contracts were fitted under tariffs not specifically designed for this application.
Farm digester operations sell power to the utility and then buy back what they need at regular rates for farm use.
The new rate is called PG-BioGas, is offered until December 31, 2012 (or until fully subscribed: 10 MW) and is in effect now. The maximum project cap is 2 MW, with an on-peak rate of approx. $0.106/kWh, an off-peak rate of approx. $0.061/kWh, which yields an effective (24 hour) rate of $0.0807/kWh. All environmental attributes from generation purchased under this rate will be claimed by WPS.
Green Bay, WI – Wisconsin Public Service Corporation (WPS) recently received approval from the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin to begin a pilot program to purchase electricity generated from agricultural biogas. In the pilot program, WPS will accept up to 10,000 kilowatts generated from new anaerobic digester operations (no more than 2,000 kilowatts from a single generator) within its service territory. The rate will encourage the development of this renewable resource which will allow WPS to better understand the costs and benefits associated with this type of power purchase, and at the same time provide environmental benefits.
Farmers interested in the program must sign a contract with WPS prior to January 1, 2013.
"Increasing the number of renewable resources is unquestionably good for the environment," said Dennis Derricks, WPS Director of Electric Regulatory Policy. "This tariff is another way to partner with our agricultural customers to find solutions the benefit both parties." Digesters help the farmers with solutions to dealing with vast amounts of waste, while the utility receives another source of renewable energy.
Derricks said WPS has several current digester operations within its territory and this new rate offers "another pricing option specifically for these types of operations." Derricks said the existing contracts were fitted under tariffs not specifically designed for this application.
Farm digester operations sell power to the utility and then buy back what they need at regular rates for farm use.
The new rate is called PG-BioGas, is offered until December 31, 2012 (or until fully subscribed: 10 MW) and is in effect now. The maximum project cap is 2 MW, with an on-peak rate of approx. $0.106/kWh, an off-peak rate of approx. $0.061/kWh, which yields an effective (24 hour) rate of $0.0807/kWh. All environmental attributes from generation purchased under this rate will be claimed by WPS.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Wisconsin farmers use cow manure to make money
From an Associated Press article by Charlie Mathews on Examiner.com:
NEWTON, Wis. - Cows in Manitowoc County are prolific, producing nearly 1 billion pounds of milk annually.
But they also create a lot of manure - about three times more than that each year.
But Grotegut Dairy Farm in Newton is using an anaerobic digester to generate an economic and environmental payback for all that cow excrement.
"The digester is like a big stomach and you want to have a good blend," said Troy Temme, who serves as the Grotegut's extended family ownership's environmental specialist.
He said he is constantly tinkering with introducing into the 1.75 million gallon concrete, underground digester vessels the right mix of bacteria to most efficiently produce biogas.
The digester has a 21-day retention period where the bacteria are consuming organic solids and gassing off methane. The biogas rises to the top of the liquid manure and goes into a 1,000-horsepower, 16-cylinder reciprocating engine where it is burned as the fuel source, in piston chambers like those in a car.
The engine is coupled to a generator, which produces electrical power and sold to Wisconsin Public Service.
With about 1,900 milking cows and 4,000 total animals, Grotegut Dairy Farm's biogas generates 710 kilowatts of electricity per hour, every hour of the year, which is enough to power several hundred homes.
Temme said the anaerobic digester's electricity output is greater than the farm's power needs, with the net positive revenue helping to defray the $3 million investment, which went into operation in 2009.
"But, in my eyes, the ancillary benefits are even bigger than the electricity," Temme said, citing both financial and earth-friendly factors.
The residual manure after the biogas is created is transferred to a liquid-solids separator.
The liquids are used for crop field nutrients and the dry solids become cow bedding for use on site, or can be sold to other farms.
"We used to have semi-truck loads of sawdust come to the farm," Temme said of the hundreds of thousands of dollars of bedding no longer needed.
Several types of anaerobic digesters are manufactured with Grotegut Dairy purchasing one from Chilton-based GHD Inc.
Its president, Steve Dvorak, explained that post-digester liquid manure contains little of the volatile fatty acids that cause odor. It also has greatly reduced levels of E. coli bacteria and other pathogens. The manure has a lower phosphorous content, which can help keep farmers from applying too many nutrients on fields.
NEWTON, Wis. - Cows in Manitowoc County are prolific, producing nearly 1 billion pounds of milk annually.
But they also create a lot of manure - about three times more than that each year.
But Grotegut Dairy Farm in Newton is using an anaerobic digester to generate an economic and environmental payback for all that cow excrement.
"The digester is like a big stomach and you want to have a good blend," said Troy Temme, who serves as the Grotegut's extended family ownership's environmental specialist.
He said he is constantly tinkering with introducing into the 1.75 million gallon concrete, underground digester vessels the right mix of bacteria to most efficiently produce biogas.
The digester has a 21-day retention period where the bacteria are consuming organic solids and gassing off methane. The biogas rises to the top of the liquid manure and goes into a 1,000-horsepower, 16-cylinder reciprocating engine where it is burned as the fuel source, in piston chambers like those in a car.
The engine is coupled to a generator, which produces electrical power and sold to Wisconsin Public Service.
With about 1,900 milking cows and 4,000 total animals, Grotegut Dairy Farm's biogas generates 710 kilowatts of electricity per hour, every hour of the year, which is enough to power several hundred homes.
Temme said the anaerobic digester's electricity output is greater than the farm's power needs, with the net positive revenue helping to defray the $3 million investment, which went into operation in 2009.
"But, in my eyes, the ancillary benefits are even bigger than the electricity," Temme said, citing both financial and earth-friendly factors.
The residual manure after the biogas is created is transferred to a liquid-solids separator.
The liquids are used for crop field nutrients and the dry solids become cow bedding for use on site, or can be sold to other farms.
"We used to have semi-truck loads of sawdust come to the farm," Temme said of the hundreds of thousands of dollars of bedding no longer needed.
Several types of anaerobic digesters are manufactured with Grotegut Dairy purchasing one from Chilton-based GHD Inc.
Its president, Steve Dvorak, explained that post-digester liquid manure contains little of the volatile fatty acids that cause odor. It also has greatly reduced levels of E. coli bacteria and other pathogens. The manure has a lower phosphorous content, which can help keep farmers from applying too many nutrients on fields.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Manure in, money out for local farmers using anaerobic digester
From an article by Charlie Mathews in the Herald Times Reporter, Manitowoc:
NEWTON — Cows in Manitowoc County are prolific, producing nearly 1 billion pounds of milk annually.
But they also create a lot of manure — about three times more than that each year.
But Grotegut Dairy Farm in Newton is using an anaerobic digester to generate an economic and environmental payback for all that cow excrement.
"The digester is like a big stomach and you want to have a good blend," said Troy Temme, who serves as the Grotegut's extended family ownership's environmental specialist.
He said he is constantly tinkering with introducing into the 1.75 million gallon concrete, underground digester vessels the right mix of bacteria to most efficiently produce biogas.
The digester has a 21-day retention period where the bacteria are consuming organic solids and gassing off methane. The biogas rises to the top of the liquid manure and goes into a 1,000-horsepower, 16-cylinder reciprocating engine where it is burned as the fuel source, in piston chambers like those in a car.
The engine is coupled to a generator, which produces electrical power and sold to Wisconsin Public Service.
NEWTON — Cows in Manitowoc County are prolific, producing nearly 1 billion pounds of milk annually.
But they also create a lot of manure — about three times more than that each year.
But Grotegut Dairy Farm in Newton is using an anaerobic digester to generate an economic and environmental payback for all that cow excrement.
"The digester is like a big stomach and you want to have a good blend," said Troy Temme, who serves as the Grotegut's extended family ownership's environmental specialist.
He said he is constantly tinkering with introducing into the 1.75 million gallon concrete, underground digester vessels the right mix of bacteria to most efficiently produce biogas.
The digester has a 21-day retention period where the bacteria are consuming organic solids and gassing off methane. The biogas rises to the top of the liquid manure and goes into a 1,000-horsepower, 16-cylinder reciprocating engine where it is burned as the fuel source, in piston chambers like those in a car.
The engine is coupled to a generator, which produces electrical power and sold to Wisconsin Public Service.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Outagamie Co. farmer: Clean energy bill's opponents lack perspective
From a guest column in The Country Today by Rick Adamski, an organic dairy farmer near Seymour:
As a dairy farmer, I understand that wise investments reduce operating costs. On our farm we have seen the need to save energy as a means to flourish in a changing economy.
The state needs to learn this lesson. We can create opportunities in rural Wisconsin to become net energy producers through some common-sense policies such as the advanced renewable portfolio standard, the low-carbon fuel standard and the Energy Crop Reserve Program, three policies being considered in the Clean Energy Jobs Act (Assembly Bill 649 and Senate Bill 450). All of these policies encourage adoption of more renewable energy sources and open up a market for Wisconsin farmers.
But I especially want to emphasize the importance of another common-sense policy being considered: advanced renewable tariffs.
Advanced renewable tariffs are essentially a statewide, uniform buyback rate for renewable energy that is fed into the grid. Locally owned, small-scale energy systems won't happen without these tariffs. Individuals need to know how much they will be paid for their energy before they invest.
I was fortunate to have had a We Energies experimental small wind buyback rate, which allowed me to build a wind turbine on our farm. It is unfortunate that there are people across the state with better wind resources than ours but worse buyback rates that keep them from producing renewable energy and earning a return. We need this bill to allow entrepreneurs to have fair access, no matter what utility they have.
While it seems an advanced renewable tariff is just common sense, some interests are actively trying to defeat this policy. Perspective is a quality that seems to be absent in so many political debates today, and the debate around the Clean Energy Jobs Act is no exception. It sure seems to me like the critics of this bill have a different understanding of the past or a lack of memory of the past.
At the basis of their argument is their belief that fossil fuels are cheap and will always be cheap. Both of those beliefs are wrong. We forget we are subsidizing fossil fuels. In the case of coal, currently 10 percent of the gross production is exempt from taxation. That is hardly a market-driven force.
As a dairy farmer, I understand that wise investments reduce operating costs. On our farm we have seen the need to save energy as a means to flourish in a changing economy.
The state needs to learn this lesson. We can create opportunities in rural Wisconsin to become net energy producers through some common-sense policies such as the advanced renewable portfolio standard, the low-carbon fuel standard and the Energy Crop Reserve Program, three policies being considered in the Clean Energy Jobs Act (Assembly Bill 649 and Senate Bill 450). All of these policies encourage adoption of more renewable energy sources and open up a market for Wisconsin farmers.
But I especially want to emphasize the importance of another common-sense policy being considered: advanced renewable tariffs.
Advanced renewable tariffs are essentially a statewide, uniform buyback rate for renewable energy that is fed into the grid. Locally owned, small-scale energy systems won't happen without these tariffs. Individuals need to know how much they will be paid for their energy before they invest.
I was fortunate to have had a We Energies experimental small wind buyback rate, which allowed me to build a wind turbine on our farm. It is unfortunate that there are people across the state with better wind resources than ours but worse buyback rates that keep them from producing renewable energy and earning a return. We need this bill to allow entrepreneurs to have fair access, no matter what utility they have.
While it seems an advanced renewable tariff is just common sense, some interests are actively trying to defeat this policy. Perspective is a quality that seems to be absent in so many political debates today, and the debate around the Clean Energy Jobs Act is no exception. It sure seems to me like the critics of this bill have a different understanding of the past or a lack of memory of the past.
At the basis of their argument is their belief that fossil fuels are cheap and will always be cheap. Both of those beliefs are wrong. We forget we are subsidizing fossil fuels. In the case of coal, currently 10 percent of the gross production is exempt from taxation. That is hardly a market-driven force.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
UW-Oshkosh to power campus with food waste used as fuel
From an article by Deborah Ziff in The Captial Times:
On the UW-Oshkosh campus, cafeteria leftovers could soon be used to power the college's heat and electricity.
The university says its planned dry fermentation anaerobic biodigester will be the first of its kind in the nation, converting campus and community yard and food waste into fuel.
This differs from the more common wet digester, which runs on manure or sewage, because it doesn't create waste that needs to be treated or disposed.
The renewable energy facility will produce up to 5 percent of UW-Oshkosh's electricity and heating needs.
On the UW-Oshkosh campus, cafeteria leftovers could soon be used to power the college's heat and electricity.
The university says its planned dry fermentation anaerobic biodigester will be the first of its kind in the nation, converting campus and community yard and food waste into fuel.
This differs from the more common wet digester, which runs on manure or sewage, because it doesn't create waste that needs to be treated or disposed.
The renewable energy facility will produce up to 5 percent of UW-Oshkosh's electricity and heating needs.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Biodigester near Denmark to turn waste into usable products
From an article by Richard Ryman in the Green Bay Press Gazette:
NEW DENMARK — It looks like a big cement box and in operation resembles a cow's stomach, but a commercial anaerobic biodigester under construction just southeast of Denmark will fill a lot of roles.
NEW Organic Digestion, owned by American Foods Group and the people who own Northern Concrete, is building the facility primarily to dispose of byproducts from American Foods' operations in Green Bay.
The project will cost between $5 million and $6 million, said co-owner Rob Larsen. The biodigester will hold a little more than 2 million gallons working its way through the tank on a 22-day cycle. Larsen said they will be able to add 60 to 100 tons to the process daily. They expect to put it into service in March.
The process will result in several products, including methane gas, electricity, heat and waste solids that can be used for cattle bedding or other purposes.
Larsen said his family, dad John Larsen in particular, have been land-applying paunch manure for American Foods for years.
Paunch manure is partially digested food, usually consumed the same day the cow is slaughtered. The waste includes wash water and unused fats.
NEW DENMARK — It looks like a big cement box and in operation resembles a cow's stomach, but a commercial anaerobic biodigester under construction just southeast of Denmark will fill a lot of roles.
NEW Organic Digestion, owned by American Foods Group and the people who own Northern Concrete, is building the facility primarily to dispose of byproducts from American Foods' operations in Green Bay.
The project will cost between $5 million and $6 million, said co-owner Rob Larsen. The biodigester will hold a little more than 2 million gallons working its way through the tank on a 22-day cycle. Larsen said they will be able to add 60 to 100 tons to the process daily. They expect to put it into service in March.
The process will result in several products, including methane gas, electricity, heat and waste solids that can be used for cattle bedding or other purposes.
Larsen said his family, dad John Larsen in particular, have been land-applying paunch manure for American Foods for years.
Paunch manure is partially digested food, usually consumed the same day the cow is slaughtered. The waste includes wash water and unused fats.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
This manufacturer supports Wisconsin’s Clean Energy Jobs Act
From an article by Neal Verfuerth on BizTimes.com:
The sun is the source of all energy on Earth. Yet, here in Wisconsin, the direct use of the immense energy of the sun is not considered a renewable resource. Most people do not believe this when the concept is first introduced to them because they know - intuitively - there is nothing more renewable than the sun … at least for the next 5 billion years.
But it’s true.
It will take a majority vote of both the Assembly and the Senate at the state Capitol and the signature of Gov. Jim Doyle to make the sun’s direct energy a renewable resource in Wisconsin.
The good news is that a broad list of business, trade and environmental groups, including Orion Energy Systems Inc., are working with the governor and the legislature to make this happen.
“Direct-use” renewables such as solar hot water heating, geo-thermal heating and “light pipe” technology would soon be included in Wisconsin’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) as a result of the passage of either the Clean Energy Jobs Act (LRB-3883/1), or independent legislation authored by Sen. Jeff Plale and Reps. Jim Soletski and Ted Zigmunt (SB273/AB401).
The Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) identifies those technologies defined as “renewables” in our state.
Why is this good for the people of Wisconsin? Well, the new law will create jobs, reduce our dependence on fossil fuels (Wisconsin imports all of its fossil fuel resources from out of state) and dramatically reduce the emission of greenhouse gases and other health threatening pollutants.
The sun is the source of all energy on Earth. Yet, here in Wisconsin, the direct use of the immense energy of the sun is not considered a renewable resource. Most people do not believe this when the concept is first introduced to them because they know - intuitively - there is nothing more renewable than the sun … at least for the next 5 billion years.
But it’s true.
It will take a majority vote of both the Assembly and the Senate at the state Capitol and the signature of Gov. Jim Doyle to make the sun’s direct energy a renewable resource in Wisconsin.
The good news is that a broad list of business, trade and environmental groups, including Orion Energy Systems Inc., are working with the governor and the legislature to make this happen.
“Direct-use” renewables such as solar hot water heating, geo-thermal heating and “light pipe” technology would soon be included in Wisconsin’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) as a result of the passage of either the Clean Energy Jobs Act (LRB-3883/1), or independent legislation authored by Sen. Jeff Plale and Reps. Jim Soletski and Ted Zigmunt (SB273/AB401).
The Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) identifies those technologies defined as “renewables” in our state.
Why is this good for the people of Wisconsin? Well, the new law will create jobs, reduce our dependence on fossil fuels (Wisconsin imports all of its fossil fuel resources from out of state) and dramatically reduce the emission of greenhouse gases and other health threatening pollutants.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Doyle launches Clean Energy Jobs initiative
From a news release issued by Governor Jim Doyle:
MADISON – Governor Jim Doyle today was joined by business leaders, labor, legislators and environmental organizations as he launched the Clean Energy Jobs Act, a landmark legislative package to accelerate the state’s green economy and create jobs. New industry-recognized research shows the package will directly create at least 15,000 green jobs in Wisconsin by 2025.
“Addressing climate change is not just an environmental issue, it’s about creating green jobs,” Governor Doyle said.
“The Clean Energy Jobs Act offers new standards to help accelerate Wisconsin’s green economy. I am calling on the Legislature to update renewable portfolio standards to generate 25 percent of our fuel from renewable sources by 2025 and set a realistic goal of a 2 percent annual reduction in energy consumption by 2015.”
The Clean Energy Jobs Act, State Senate Bill 450 and State Assembly Bill 649, implements the recommendations of Governor Doyle’s Global Warming Task Force to address climate change and grow the state’s green economy through several key measures:
• Enhanced renewable portfolio standards – A new 20 percent standard would be set for 2020 and a 25 percent standard would be set for 2025. The current 10 percent standard would be accelerated from 2015 to 2013. By advancing our current renewable portfolio standards, and setting new standards, we will ensure more of our energy dollars stay in the state, creating thousands of jobs for Wisconsin families in fields like construction, manufacturing, and agriculture.
• Enhanced energy efficiency and conservation efforts – Graduated statewide electricity savings goals would be set, leading up to a 2 percent reduction by 2015 and annual reductions thereafter. The cheapest way to lower carbon emissions is through energy conservation. By setting achievable conservation goals, this bill will help reduce energy costs in businesses and homes across the state.
A comprehensive economic assessment of the Clean Energy Jobs Act found that the package would directly create at least 15,000 green jobs in Wisconsin by 2025. More than 1,800 jobs would be created in the first year alone. The assessment also found that between 800 and 1,800 construction jobs would be created each year from 2011-2025, and more than 2,000 manufacturing jobs would be created once the laws are fully implemented.
Michael Vickerman, RENEW Wisconsin’s executive director said:
Wisconsin's existing 10% Renewable Energy Standard has driven significant investment in rural, forestry and agriculture markets by encouraging the construction of large wind, biogas, biomass and solar projects. Increasing the Renewable Energy Standard to 25% in 2025 would continue to generate more of the lucrative payments to landowners and biofuel / biomass providers as well as create more jobs constructing and maintaining the additional projects are built to meet the new standards.
The bills also include three of the proposals backed by the Homegrown Renewable Energy Campaign:
• Renewable Energy Buyback Rates, also called an Advanced Renewable Tariffs, would set utility payments for small renewable energy producers who want to "feed energy" into the electric grid, enabling farmers and rural businesses to help Wisconsin become more energy independent with biopower, wind and solar.
• The Biomass Crop Reserve Program would award contracts to farmers to plant native perennial plants, which the farmer can then sell for bioenergy production, helping to solve the chicken-and-egg problem of jumpstarting the homegrown fuels market.
• A Low-Carbon Fuel Standard would be a market-based approach to promoting the cleanest, low-carbon fuels for Wisconsin, and would put Wisconsin in a position to capture the rapidly-developing clean energy market by using Wisconsin's abundant natural resources like switchgrass.
Statements of support for the legislation came from Customers First!, WPPI Energy, CREWE, Clean Wisconsin, ACRE, MEUW, Sierra Club, and others.
MADISON – Governor Jim Doyle today was joined by business leaders, labor, legislators and environmental organizations as he launched the Clean Energy Jobs Act, a landmark legislative package to accelerate the state’s green economy and create jobs. New industry-recognized research shows the package will directly create at least 15,000 green jobs in Wisconsin by 2025.
“Addressing climate change is not just an environmental issue, it’s about creating green jobs,” Governor Doyle said.
“The Clean Energy Jobs Act offers new standards to help accelerate Wisconsin’s green economy. I am calling on the Legislature to update renewable portfolio standards to generate 25 percent of our fuel from renewable sources by 2025 and set a realistic goal of a 2 percent annual reduction in energy consumption by 2015.”
The Clean Energy Jobs Act, State Senate Bill 450 and State Assembly Bill 649, implements the recommendations of Governor Doyle’s Global Warming Task Force to address climate change and grow the state’s green economy through several key measures:
• Enhanced renewable portfolio standards – A new 20 percent standard would be set for 2020 and a 25 percent standard would be set for 2025. The current 10 percent standard would be accelerated from 2015 to 2013. By advancing our current renewable portfolio standards, and setting new standards, we will ensure more of our energy dollars stay in the state, creating thousands of jobs for Wisconsin families in fields like construction, manufacturing, and agriculture.
• Enhanced energy efficiency and conservation efforts – Graduated statewide electricity savings goals would be set, leading up to a 2 percent reduction by 2015 and annual reductions thereafter. The cheapest way to lower carbon emissions is through energy conservation. By setting achievable conservation goals, this bill will help reduce energy costs in businesses and homes across the state.
A comprehensive economic assessment of the Clean Energy Jobs Act found that the package would directly create at least 15,000 green jobs in Wisconsin by 2025. More than 1,800 jobs would be created in the first year alone. The assessment also found that between 800 and 1,800 construction jobs would be created each year from 2011-2025, and more than 2,000 manufacturing jobs would be created once the laws are fully implemented.
Michael Vickerman, RENEW Wisconsin’s executive director said:
Wisconsin's existing 10% Renewable Energy Standard has driven significant investment in rural, forestry and agriculture markets by encouraging the construction of large wind, biogas, biomass and solar projects. Increasing the Renewable Energy Standard to 25% in 2025 would continue to generate more of the lucrative payments to landowners and biofuel / biomass providers as well as create more jobs constructing and maintaining the additional projects are built to meet the new standards.
The bills also include three of the proposals backed by the Homegrown Renewable Energy Campaign:
• Renewable Energy Buyback Rates, also called an Advanced Renewable Tariffs, would set utility payments for small renewable energy producers who want to "feed energy" into the electric grid, enabling farmers and rural businesses to help Wisconsin become more energy independent with biopower, wind and solar.
• The Biomass Crop Reserve Program would award contracts to farmers to plant native perennial plants, which the farmer can then sell for bioenergy production, helping to solve the chicken-and-egg problem of jumpstarting the homegrown fuels market.
• A Low-Carbon Fuel Standard would be a market-based approach to promoting the cleanest, low-carbon fuels for Wisconsin, and would put Wisconsin in a position to capture the rapidly-developing clean energy market by using Wisconsin's abundant natural resources like switchgrass.
Statements of support for the legislation came from Customers First!, WPPI Energy, CREWE, Clean Wisconsin, ACRE, MEUW, Sierra Club, and others.
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