12/07/06 Biodigester

After eight years of university lab tests - the Biogas Energy project born at the University of California, Davis was first presented in June. Recently - the Propane Education and Research Council - or PERC - joined the University and Onsite Power Systems for the official start-up of the anaerobic biodigester system for the project. The biodigester project demonstrates an innovative waste to energy technology that could provide environmental and economic advantages. In fact - the biodigesters could provide a new renewable energy source for the ag industry. But for the biodigester to work properly - a reliable energy source is needed. And that - according to PERC Ag Advisory Committee member George Gomes - is where propane is playing an important role in the project. GOMES: The propane-fueled boilers sustain the heat needed to promote optimal bacteria growth. That bacteria is used to convert animal waste, plant material and food waste to biogas - a form of methane. This new two-step process being demonstrated by UC Davis produces methane and raw hydrogen. That hydrogen - Gomes says - can be marketed as a fuel source. That's why Gomes says the biodigester project can solve one national problem while providing a solution to another. GOMES: Gomes says PERC truly believes energy sources like biogas can help boost the nation's economy and move the country towards energy independence - and because of its portability, reliability and availability - Gomes says propane is a great fuel source for biodigesters and can support these emerging technologies. GOMES: That's today's Line On Agriculture. I'm Greg Martin on the Northwest Ag Information Network.