Any CO2 released from this process is part of the natural cycle – plants absorb CO2 when growing and release it when decomposing. That’s not a problem.

The problem is the billions of tons of the stored, fossilised stuff that we’re releasing.

Any CO2 released from this process is part of the natural cycle – plants absorb CO2 when growing and release it when decomposing. That’s not a problem.

The problem is the billions of tons of the stored, fossilised stuff that we’re releasing.

Any CO2 released from this process is part of the natural cycle – plants absorb CO2 when growing and release it when decomposing. That’s not a problem.

The problem is the billions of tons of the stored, fossilised stuff that we’re releasing.

Interesting process. It sounds similar to what other people are doing with tapping methanegenerated by old landfills.

I do have one question; What happens to the CO2 being generated? 40% seems like a large amount of byproduct, and if this is leaked off into the almsphere, it seems we are defeating our intent of reducing the amount of CO2 emissions.

Interesting process. It sounds similar to what other people are doing with tapping methanegenerated by old landfills.

I do have one question; What happens to the CO2 being generated? 40% seems like a large amount of byproduct, and if this is leaked off into the almsphere, it seems we are defeating our intent of reducing the amount of CO2 emissions.

Organic electricity

Let’s start with two Canadian companies that have teamed up to turn organic trimmings into electricity. Loblaw Companies Ltd. is Canada’s largest food distributor with 47 corporate grocery stores in southwestern Ontario. All of the organic trimmings — meat, dairy, fruits, vegetables, and grease traps — will be shipped to a nearby biogas facility run by StormFisher Biogas. StormFisher estimates that the organic material will produce enough biogas to operate turbines generating electricity to power 225 homes annually. The electricity produced at the facility will be sold to Ontario Power Authority.

The biogas results from a process called anaerobic digestion, much like what goes on in our own stomachs. In short, organic feedstock interacts with various bacteria and methanogens to produce the gas which is approximately 60% methane and 40% CO2. Liquids and solids also are produced during the process and can be sold as organic fertilizer. The plant, to be located in London, Ont., is expected to begin operation in late 2010.

Organic electricity

Let’s start with two Canadian companies that have teamed up to turn organic trimmings into electricity. Loblaw Companies Ltd. is Canada’s largest food distributor with 47 corporate grocery stores in southwestern Ontario. All of the organic trimmings — meat, dairy, fruits, vegetables, and grease traps — will be shipped to a nearby biogas facility run by StormFisher Biogas. StormFisher estimates that the organic material will produce enough biogas to operate turbines generating electricity to power 225 homes annually. The electricity produced at the facility will be sold to Ontario Power Authority.

The biogas results from a process called anaerobic digestion, much like what goes on in our own stomachs. In short, organic feedstock interacts with various bacteria and methanogens to produce the gas which is approximately 60% methane and 40% CO2. Liquids and solids also are produced during the process and can be sold as organic fertilizer. The plant, to be located in London, Ont., is expected to begin operation in late 2010.

Organic electricity

Let’s start with two Canadian companies that have teamed up to turn organic trimmings into electricity. Loblaw Companies Ltd. is Canada’s largest food distributor with 47 corporate grocery stores in southwestern Ontario. All of the organic trimmings — meat, dairy, fruits, vegetables, and grease traps — will be shipped to a nearby biogas facility run by StormFisher Biogas. StormFisher estimates that the organic material will produce enough biogas to operate turbines generating electricity to power 225 homes annually. The electricity produced at the facility will be sold to Ontario Power Authority.

The biogas results from a process called anaerobic digestion, much like what goes on in our own stomachs. In short, organic feedstock interacts with various bacteria and methanogens to produce the gas which is approximately 60% methane and 40% CO2. Liquids and solids also are produced during the process and can be sold as organic fertilizer. The plant, to be located in London, Ont., is expected to begin operation in late 2010.