Dairy cow manure can be also the resource to generate renewable energy. The manure is collected and heated, creating the natural byproduct of methane gas. That biogas is the fuel used to power the generators and create electricity.
The manure digester process has additional environmental benefits, reducing animal waste problems associated with manure disposal on farms. The odor is greatly reduced, and weed seeds and pathogens are killed during the digestion process, thus lessening the need for herbicides and pesticides on the farm. Another useful byproduct is bedding that can be used in the dairy, or sold by the farmer.
Technical risks in biogas projects are significant as unlike wind or sun, the feedstock quality and chemistry changes with the food and metabolism of the animals. Verdability consultants managed the due diligence to recommend improvements to the original design.
