SUNY Morrisville's New Dairy Complex to Demonstrate
Manure Digester;
NYSERDA, NYPA, Ag&Mkts Team to Generate Power from Biogas
For More Info: Tom Collins 518-862-1090 x 3250.
Albany, Sept 30 –The State University of New York at
Morrisville (SUNY) has begun design work for a $883,370 manure digester
project that will treat wastes from 350 milking cows, and use the
gas from the process to generate 300,000 kWh of electricity per year
for the campus, and sale to the utility grid. The major portion of
the project, $300,000, comes from the New York State Energy Research
and Development Authority, while SUNY Morrisville is contributing
$298,002, and will perform testing and optimization as well as include
educational roles for students. To enable the digester system to include
a microturbine generator, the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets
is contributing $155,184 and the New York Power Authority is cost-sharing
$130,184.
"SUNY Morrisville's Bachelor of Technology program offers an
excellent opportunity to introduce anaerobic digesters to the next
generation of New York farmers. This project will treat tons of animal
wastes to produce a more manageable fertilizer, and produce a biogas
to fuel electric generation. It will also reduce the potential groundwater
and odor impact associated with other raw manure disposal methods.
This is a win-win technology that can help farmers address environmental
concerns and bring greater profitability to farms across the State,"
said NYSERDA President William M. Flynn.
The system will treat manure from 350 milking cows and provide power
to the campus by collecting the wastes from milking barns, channeling
it into the digester pit, where anaerobic digestion takes place, giving
off methane, a flammable gas. The gas is then piped to generators
powered by either a microturbine or internal combustion engine. The
technology will be installed over the coming year and will be monitored
to determine benefits and gather data including costs, output and
demonstration purposes.
"SUNY Morrisville is working hard to provide students with practical
experience on the theory and application of a digester system. They
will be able to monitor, manage and operate it to gain first-hand
educational experience, as well as learn about all the other economic,
environmental, and energy benefits inherent in this project,"
said SUNY Morrisville President Ray Cross.
State Agriculture Commissioner Nathan L. Rudgers said, "The
Department of Agriculture and Markets sees anaerobic digestion of
manure as a critical technology that can help farmers reduce energy
costs, displace fossil-fuel generated electricity, and address nutrient
management issues. Methane digesters will play an increasingly important
role in helping farmers solve these challenges, which will improve
the interface between the non-farm and farm communities of rural New
York. I commend Governor Pataki for his leadership in supporting this
important technology through his net metering legislation, and I appreciate
the support from our partners at SUNY Morrisville, NYSERDA, and the
New York Power Authority in making this important project a reality."
This project is one of dozens conducted by NYSERDA aimed to improve
the profitability of New York Farms. Each has the goal of reducing
energy costs and improving the environment while raising profits.
Over the past three years, NYSERDA has committed $6.8 million to projects
that produce or conserve energy through improved livestock waste management.
Other NYSERDA programs are available to help farmers reduce cost
and energy consumption in other ways. One of the largest programs
has been funding the installation of variable speed drive pumping
equipment at more than 150 farms across the State. These controls
can cut dairy power consumption in half, and save individual farms
about $2,600 per year. Detailed information may be seen at www.nyserda.org.
NYSERDA, a public-benefit corporation, helps develop new energy and
environmental programs and products, including the New York Energy
$martSM program. NYSERDA's funding comes from the State's
investor-owned utilities, a voluntary contribution from the New York
Power Authority, Long Island Power Authority and limited NYSERDA funds.
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