Agricultural based energy renewal briefing
Posted By J.T. on June 29, 2009
Harrisonville, Missouri - On Tuesday, June 23rd the Cass County Commission held an informal briefing for 45 area residents at the Courthouse on deploying second generation, carbon nuetral, bio-hybrid methane gas energy production concepts for power production . The process utilizes cellulosic silage converting it to gas, using the gas to generate electricity, leveraging and improving upon processes that have been successfully used in Germany for the past 15 years where more than 4,000 similar facilities exist today.
With the assistance of the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the first U.S. bio-farming operation of its kind recently broke ground in Texas where NRCS Texas State Conservationist Don Gohmert called it a “landmark project for the U.S. and the ag industry.” The project is being developed by Cass County based Univeral Asset Management, LLC. Upon learning of the Texas project, the Commissioners recognized the potential to develop similar success stories in Cass County and the surrounding region.
“When we learned that the expected revenue from this first plant was projected to generate 137 jobs and potentially create 14 new businesses in that economic region we decided to invite USDA officials and business leaders who assisted in developing the Texas project to Harrisonville to hear the story first-hand,” said Gary Mallory, the Presiding Commissioner. “From everything we have learned so far, the Commission believes a similar opportunity exists in our region and we are excited to learn more,” said Commissioner Bill Cook.
In Texas, a farmer’s co-op has committed 2,400 acres to sorghum production to fuel the plant. The one megawatt plant will consume two tons of silage per hour, running 24 hours a day, seven days a week; the plan will require 17,520 tons of sorghum per year producing enough electricity to power approximately 400 homes year round. Over 50 of the facilities are on the drawing board in central Texas alone.
At first read it sounds great - but then I think about the cost of buying the land, building,buying all that sorghum, salaries, etc. and wonder if it’s justified for something that doesn’t provide power for more than 400 homes. Sounds like the person who’ll actually make the profit is the owner of the land it’s built on. Hmmmm - bet our Garden City commissioner just happens to own a few acres in the area they’re looking at.
Actually, if you were at the presentation it was suggested local farmers look into this for their land through a co-op. Several farmers in attendance were intrigued. Looking at what they did in Texas…it looks to be a legitimate and sound business venture. But hey, if you simply want your glass to be half-empty all the time…your call.
I just prefer that my glass not be exorbitantly overpriced. And lots of things sound good. Why, just last month a Nigerian prince offered to funnel a fortune through my bank. You say “look at what they did in Texas..” Just what DID they do? Broke ground for one facility and have 50 on the drawing board. Don’t get so snippy over someone suggesting weighing cost against benefit.