April 14: Energy generation from food, animal waste

By Kate Halstead, WSU Extension

digester-detailMONROE, Wash. – On-site generation of energy and soil enhancements from organic waste will be demonstrated at a free Anaerobic Digestion Bioenergy Field Day 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday, April 14, at Willie Green’s Organic Farm, 19501 Tualco Rd., Monroe, (www.williegreens.org).

In addition, participants will learn how to save 25 percent on renewable energy equipment costs through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Energy for America (REAP) Renewable Energy Systems & Efficiency Improvements program.

Space is limited and RSVP is required at http://ADFieldDay.BrownpaperTickets.com or by contacting Andrew Corbin at 425-357-6012 or corbina@wsu.edu. Find more information at http://snohomish.wsu.edu/ad-field-day.

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Drawing of mobile anaerobic digestion unit courtesy of Impact Bioenergy.

Owners and managers of restaurants, cafeterias, breweries, distilleries, wineries and horse, livestock and crop farms will learn to reduce the environmental footprint of their operations while generating renewable energy, organic fertilizer and other beneficial inputs. Small-scale, portable anaerobic digestion also reduces waste and transportation costs.

Andrew Corbin of Washington State University Snohomish County Extension and Jan Allen of Impact Bioenergy (http://impactbioenergy.com) will explain the technology and discuss the innovative, ready-to-use anaerobic digestion system.

Allen specializes in anaerobic digestion, composting, wood fuel processing, bulk material handling and odor control facilities. He has worked in design and operation of composting and soil production facilities since the late 1980s. He is the registered inventor on six U.S. patents for composting, anaerobic digestion and biofiltration.

The federal REAP initiative provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses to purchase or install renewable energy systems or make energy efficiency improvements. Funds may be used for the purchase, installation and construction of renewable energy systems.

On display during the field day will be a mobile anaerobic digestion unit whose features include:
• Gross energy output of up to 360,000 BTU per day
• Electrical output up to 2.5 kWh
• Gas storage (expandable) for up to 175 cubic feet
• Capacity to consume up to 135 lbs. organic waste per day
• Safety system 12-volt surplus gas burner
• Footprint of only 130 square feet

Reasonable accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities and special needs who contact Karie Christensen at 600 128th St. SE, Everett, Wash., 425-357-6039 or christensen4@wsu.edu at least two weeks prior to the event.

 

Contact:
Andrew Corbin, WSU Snohomish County Extension, 425-794-6081, corbina@wsu.edu