Brattleboro Energy Project Converts Methane to Energy (Fox44 News Story)
http://www.fox44now.com/Global/story.asp?S=13384837
Oct 25, 2010
On Monday, Vermont Senator Patrick Leahy pushed the start button on the project in Brattleboro that will convert methane gas from waste into electricity, heat, and eventually food.
“…and also carbon dioxide to grow algae and bio-diesel fuel and animal feed,” explains Lou Bruso, a Windham Solid Waste Management District board member.
This is Carbon Harvest Energy’s first “landfill gas-to energy plant” at the WSWMD.
“These concepts really are at the beginning of transforming our economy into a sustainable one,” says Will Raap, Gardener’s Supply Company Founder and Chairman.
An engine inside a trailer pulls the methane gas from underground and converts it into heat and electricity.
“[This is an example of] things that use all of the waste, things that think in terms of cycles and a sustainable use from waste to resource,” explains Carbon Harvest Energy President Don McCormick.
The food grown in the green houses will go to the Vermont Food Bank.
“We’re really excited to be partnering with Carbon Harvest and bringing some of the bounty that will be grown here to Vermonters in need, our neighbors,” exclaims VT Food Bank CEO John Sayles.
Senator Leahy says more projects like this one should be created across the country.
“If it works here, we can use it all over the country,” says Leahy. He adds, “We rely so much on imported energy. It’s really the Achilles heel of our national security.”
The next phase will be the construction of green houses, an algae farm, and a fishery which will all be part of the methane energy cycle.