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A commercial farm in Kenya has become Africa's first electricity producer powered by biogas to sell surplus electricity to the national grid, cutting the carbon emissions associated with oil-powered generation.
The Gorge Farm Energy Park in Naivasha produces 2 megawatts (MW) of electricity - more than enough to cultivate its 706 hectares (1,740 acres) of vegetables and flowers, and with sufficient surplus to meet the power needs of 5,000-6,000 rural homes.
The plant produces biogas through anaerobic digestion, a process in which crop residue from the farm is digested by micro-organisms. The biogas produced is burned in two engines, producing both electricity and heat in a process called cogeneration.
Producing the same amount of energy using diesel would require 5 million litres of fuel annually, Nolan explained, plus the extra fuel required to transport the diesel inland from the port of Mombasa.
originally posted by: enlightenedservant
a reply to: galien8
I'm curious about something. What happens to the manure once this process is finished? As in, does the manure become unusable as a fertilizer or is this gas simply a result of the composting process?
originally posted by: bigfatfurrytexan
I have seen a few technologies that allow natural gas to provide household energy. A favorite is a nearly zero emission box that is installed in your back yard by whoever your provider/developer is that is fed natural gas. This gas is then used to fuel a generator that captures and recombusts emissions.
You get a slightly more efficient use of energy, but using an electric stove really sucks.
I wonder if the idea of having individual power plants would catch on? I would personally prefer that as it would lower the long term costs (presuming it didn't break all the time). I don't even limit the idea to natural gas. Although I think capturing and refining it is likely a better idea as our current waste begins to release it.
originally posted by: enlightenedservant
a reply to: galien8
That makes sense. I was wondering because the more I get into growing my crops, the more dependent I've become on manure (which sounds weird lol). Even now I've got 3 more 50lb bags of composted cow manure and about 10 more bags of compost & potting soil mixes, not to mention my own compost.
But it makes sense from what you're describing w/your country. I hope it works out for you all.
originally posted by: enlightenedservant
either a cow or a goat, just so they can have an endless supply of "farming gold".