March 31, 2006
Biogas, a form of methane similar to natural gas, may provide Alberta’s farmers and processors with significant economic and environmental opportunities.
Biogas is a part of the bioenergy sector, which refers to all forms of renewable energy derived directly or indirectly from organic plant material. The industry is just developing in North America, and provides a number of opportunities, including:
- Creating new income sources for Alberta’s agricultural industry and enhancing rural sustainability.
- Meeting the growing demands for sustainable and environmentally friendly energy.
- Using livestock manure and food processing wastes for heating or generating electricity.
- Creating many value-added and recycled products like biofertilizers, reusable water and recycled chemicals and minerals.
The biogas industry has the potential to thrive in Alberta because the province’s agriculture industry has the necessary materials to create biogas from waste management opportunities. These materials include:
- animal manure
- animal wastes
- plant residues
- processing wastes
To date, five biogas plans have been constructed in Alberta and least 10 other municipalities are exploring the possibilities of biogas. Currently there are plants located at:
- Iron Creek Hutterite Colony in Bruce
- Peace County Pork in Fahler
- Cargill Foods in High River
- Highmark Renewables in Vegreville
- Lamb Weston in Taber
Not all of these facilities are currently operating.
Alberta is taking advantage of its position as a leader in Canada’s biogas industry to host the province’s first-ever biogas conference from April 2-4, 2006. Nearly 200 worldwide experts will explore how western Canada can develop energy from biogas and turn it into a strong, renewable energy option.
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