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Manure in Fresno County is used for power generation, primarily through a process called anaerobic digestion. Here’s how:
* Anaerobic Digesters: Dairy farms in Fresno County utilize anaerobic digesters. These systems break down manure in an oxygen-free environment, producing biogas, which is rich in methane.
* Biogas as Renewable Energy: This biogas can then be used in several ways:
* Electricity Generation: It can fuel generators to produce electricity, which can power the farm or be fed into the grid.
* Renewable Natural Gas (RNG): The biogas can be upgraded to pipeline-quality renewable natural gas and injected into the natural gas pipeline for use in heating, cooling, or as vehicle fuel.
* Hydrogen Production: In some advanced projects, biogas from manure is being used to produce green hydrogen.
* Projects in Fresno County:
* Vintage Dairy (near Riverdale): This farm in western Fresno County has a biogas system that captures methane from its 5,000 cows. The gas is upgraded and delivered to PG&E’s pipeline.
* Bar 20 Dairy: Located in Fresno, this dairy uses a biogas upgrading system to convert manure-derived biogas into fuel for fuel cells to generate electricity.
* SoHyCal Hydrogen Plant (near Mendota): This plant in Fresno County uses a biogas engine powered by organic waste to produce green hydrogen in its initial phase.
* Calgren Ethanol Biogester (Pixley, near Fresno County): While technically in Tulare County, this plant receives manure via pipeline from a dairy near Fresno and converts it into cleaner natural gas to power its ethanol production facility.
* Benefits: Using manure for power generation offers several advantages:
* Reduces Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Capturing methane from manure prevents its release into the atmosphere, as methane is a potent greenhouse gas.
* Creates Renewable Energy: It provides a sustainable source of energy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
* Improves Air and Water Quality: Anaerobic digestion helps reduce odors and the risk of water pollution associated with manure storage.
* Creates Economic Opportunities: It can provide income for farmers and create jobs in the renewable energy sector.
Therefore, Fresno County is actively involved in utilizing manure from its agricultural sector, particularly dairy farms, to generate renewable energy in the form of biogas, renewable natural gas, and even hydrogen.

Video courtesy of Interactive Brokershome

Video courtesy of Interactive Brokers