Methane Digestion Powers Renewable Energy at Ash Grove Dairy
Sourse: dairynews.today
Ash Grove Dairy in Minnesota converts cow manure into renewable natural gas through a methane digester, enhancing the farm's sustainability and profitability.
Ash Grove Dairy, located northwest of Lake Benton, Minnesota, is pioneering sustainable energy by transforming waste into wealth. The 2,100-head Holstein cow farm has incorporated a methane digester, operational for approximately 18 months, to convert manure into renewable natural gas (RNG). This project is part of a joint venture called Renewco, involving Clean Energy Fuels Corp. and bp.
Christie Ings, a senior director at Clean Energy, highlights the symbiotic partnership between the dairy and Renewco, with royalties benefiting the farm. The digester, strategically positioned on Ash Grove's 55-acre site, processes 60,000 gallons of cow manure daily. "We supply manure to them every day, on a daily basis, and then we get a percentage of the gross revenue on the sales," explains Michael Crinion, owner of Ash Grove Dairy. This constant cycle not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but also channels refined methane to markets in California and companies like Amazon and UPS.
Furthermore, Ash Grove Dairy collaborates with Farmers for Sustainable Food to optimize its carbon score. Randy Gross, the dairy's general manager, lauds Crinion’s foresight in aligning the farm with future industry trends. The leftover organic matter from the digestion process nourishes local cropland, underscoring a full cycle of sustainability.
Christie Ings, a senior director at Clean Energy, highlights the symbiotic partnership between the dairy and Renewco, with royalties benefiting the farm. The digester, strategically positioned on Ash Grove's 55-acre site, processes 60,000 gallons of cow manure daily. "We supply manure to them every day, on a daily basis, and then we get a percentage of the gross revenue on the sales," explains Michael Crinion, owner of Ash Grove Dairy. This constant cycle not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but also channels refined methane to markets in California and companies like Amazon and UPS.
Furthermore, Ash Grove Dairy collaborates with Farmers for Sustainable Food to optimize its carbon score. Randy Gross, the dairy's general manager, lauds Crinion’s foresight in aligning the farm with future industry trends. The leftover organic matter from the digestion process nourishes local cropland, underscoring a full cycle of sustainability.
