Animal Waste – Part of Missouri’s Energy Solution
Missouri, as one of the top animal producing states in the nation, is on the precipice of a major, if not controversial, renewable energy opportunity. Animal waste creates methane gas, which can be converted into electricity that can power neighboring homes and schools. Missouri’s energy portfolio is at a critical crossroads– as we currently rely on imported fossil fuels for over 80% of our energy needs. To address this imbalance, Missouri took a first step, enacting a Renewable Energy Standard that will require 15 percent of the state’s energy to come from renewable sources by 2021.
Currently, animal waste is not considered a renewable energy source in Missouri, but the Senate is making an effort to change this. SB848 , sponsored by Senator Frank Barnitz, passed through the Senate and is on its way to the House. The bill will add animal waste to the list of renewable sources.
The EPA’s AgSTAR program reports that 200 Missouri hog farms are potentially profitable sites for the creation of electricity. Together, these operations are capable of producing 2.7 billion cubic feet of methane and generating 177,000 megawatt-hours of electricity each year from it. According to the EPA, they can generate more than $12 million of local power each year. For more information, the EPA’s AgSTAR program has a comprehensive handbook on developing biogas technology.
While large corporately run animal operations are controversial in their existence, the concept of generating methane gas can help the independent farmer as well. The potential policy change in Missouri has merit because it helps create ‘home generated’ energy and creates much needed jobs for Missouri.
What are your thoughts on animal waste farms as energy production sites? Is this a viable part of the solution for Missouri’s energy portfolio?
