What is the difference between biomass and biogas?
Biomass and biogas have only one thing in common, they both use organic matter. Biomass is a process that uses burning of organic matter to produce energy. Biogas does not involve any burning, but is a natural decaying process.
What is a Digester?
A digester is a huge tank (about 60’ in diameter and 60’ in height) that is filled with manure. It has a “mixer” suspended from the ceiling and is kept at a temperature of about 100°F.
How does a digester work to produce gas?
An anaerobic digester works on the same premise as the digestive system of a cow. Once the digester is filled with fresh liquid manure, it is stirred slowly for about 21 days and maintained at a temperature of about 100°F. During this time, the microbes in the manure produce gases, including methane.
How is the gas from a digester used as energy?
Methane produced from the digester process can be used as a natural gas energy source or converted to electricity.
How much energy does a digester produce?
One 60’ x 60’ digester produces about 1 mega watt of energy per year, which is enough to meet the energy needs of about 500 households.
How much energy will the Dona Ana Biogas Project produce?
The Dona Ana Biogas Project will be built in 4 quadrants. Upon completion, the 4 quadrants will produce enough methane to meet the energy needs of about 4,000 households.
Why is this better than fossil fuels?
Fossil fuels are being depleted at a faster pace. There are also negative environmental consequences to increasing their use. As part of an energy policy, different sources of energy, including renewables, are necessary. The methane gas produced in the digester plant is such a renewable resource. It introduces a new source of energy to expand our energy portfolio of reliable resources and is also protective of the environment.
How does the digester process create a positive environmental impact?
By using the manure from the dairy operations and converting it to energy, the digester process not only removes the potential water and ozone hazards posed by excessive amounts of dairy waste, but produces energy naturally in a way that does not harm the environment.
Why is manure a potential hazard to the ozone?
In its natural state, manure will produce methane gas, which is a greenhouse gas. If not contained, the methane is released into the air and thins the ozone layer. The digester process contains and harnesses the methane so it can be used as an energy source and is not harmful to the ozone.
How is manure a potential hazard to water?
Manure left on the ground can seep into and contaminate the ground water. The digester process captures and “cleans” the manure so it does not have time to contaminate ground water.