Wisconsin Ag Connection - Dairyland Power, Bush Bros. Sign Renewable Energy Deal

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Dairyland Power, Bush Bros. Sign Renewable Energy Deal
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 09/22/2011

The La Crosse-based Dairyland Power Cooperative has signed an agreement with Bush Brothers & Co. to purchase the renewable energy and capacity from a new anaerobic wastewater system located in Augusta. The system will be served by Eau Claire Energy Cooperative, a Dairyland member.

Eau Claire Energy CEO Lynn Thompson says construction on the renewable energy facility is nearing completion, and commercial operation is expected in early 2012.

"It is a significant milestone when three entities work together to create yet another renewable energy facility for the benefit of the communities we all serve," Thompson said. "Renewable energy facilities, including the new one at the Bush Brothers facility at Augusta, have added a positive element to the way we provide electricity for our co-op members."

The digester plant at the industrial wastewater facility is designed to process biogas produced in a covered lagoon to power a 635 kW generator. This is projected to produce enough renewable energy to power nearly 500 homes in the Dairyland system.

"The anaerobic digester represents a responsible method for handling plant waste and we are glad to have it as a part of our manufacturing process," said Joe Breid, Director of Operations for the Bush Brothers plant in Augusta.

Once operational, the Bush Brothers facility will represent the seventh methane digester within the Dairyland system, and the first industrial use. The first six digester facilities are 'cow power' plants, utilizing dairy cow manure as the source from which methane gas is derived to fuel the generators and create renewable energy.

Dairyland provides wholesale electricity to 25 member distribution cooperatives and 16 municipal utilities in four states.

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