Going from “rot to watt,” or turning farm waste into electricity, is the goal of a Washington State University (WSU) project that has just received a $100,000 boost from the Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology).
WSU will use the money to finish building a portable anaerobic digester that turns farm waste, manure and household garbage into methane gas that can be burned to generate electricity.
The anaerobic digester is being developed by WSU’s biological-systems engineering department. It will be transported around the state to demonstrate how the new technology can generate power while helping to solve solid-waste disposal problems.
“This is an example of how Ecology is working with researchers and the business community to develop alternatives to current waste-handling practices,” said Ecology’s Mark Fuchs, who is overseeing the contract with WSU. “We want to encourage using and recovering energy from the huge amounts of biomass on farmland.”
Biomass is a combination of farm-field and processing residue from harvested crops, animal waste and municipal organic waste. Eastern Washington has an annual supply of 4.3 million tons of dry biomass that is not being used, according to a report released in 2003 that presented details of a survey of how much waste is available.
According to the report, that untapped biomass is capable of producing 3.1 million megawatt hours of electrical energy, enough to supply approximately 15 to 40 percent of Eastern Washington’s current residential electrical consumption each year.
Creating energy from biomass could reduce greenhouse-gas emissions, benefit water quality and solve some solid-waste disposal problems, according to the report.
The survey of the bio-energy potential of biomass in Eastern Washington was sponsored by Ecology and the Inland Northwest Technology Education Center and conducted by Shulin Chen, who heads WSU’s research team. According to Chen, the digester will be located at WSU’s dairy center during trials.
“We will operate the system at WSU to further test and refine our ability to extract usable energy and products and to develop operations and business models,” Chen said. “After that, we will work with Ecology to find the best places around the state to demonstrate the project.”
Under terms of the contract, the portable unit must be completed by June 30.
Next Story
Exhibit explores queer experience on the Palouse
An opening reception for “Higher Ground: An Exhibition of Art, Ephemera, and Form” will take place 6–8 p.m. Friday on the ground floor of the Terrell Library on the Pullman campus.
Recent News
Phyllis J. Campbell endows deanship at WSU’s Carson College of Business
The endowed deanship stems from a generous gift from Phyllis and Bill Campbell of Issaquah, who met as WSU undergraduates and married not long after Phyllis’ graduation.
Spanish, bilingual course from WSU Extension creates climate ambassadors
To reach thousands of northwestern Washington residents who do not speak English fluently, WSU Extension is offering new environmental educational programs in Spanish.
VR can motivate people to donate to refugee crises regardless of politics
A new WSU-led study shows virtual reality technology may have the ability to bridge the gap between different ideologies and motivate people to show more generosity.
Todd Butler resigns as College of Arts and Sciences dean
Associate Dean Courtney Meehan will serve as interim dean for a two‑year term to allow for a national search set to launch in 2025.
Tri-state team releases calendar guide for more productive, sustainable pastures
Experts drew on knowledge of the complex landscapes and seasonal rhythms of the Inland Pacific Northwest for a new year-round guide to boost the productivity of the region’s pastureland.
WSU to study effect of controversial drug on racehorses
Overall, the WSU team plans to analyze information gathered from about 30,000 racehorses to determine the future use of the drug furosemide in horse racing.