Released on March 15, 2004
Construction is now completed on the first phase at a facility that employs innovative technology to generate heat and electricity from animal manure. Clear-Green Environmental of Saskatoon is now completing final operational testing in anticipation of delivering biogas to SaskPower's microturbines to produce electricity, which is expected to be delivered into SaskPower's electrical grid later this spring."This demonstration project is proof that the government is serious about growing a green and prosperous economy, as well as its commitment to minimize the impact of electrical generation on the environment," Minister Responsible for SaskPower Frank Quennell said. "Using the biogas created from manure to produce power holds economic and environmental potential within our province's growing hog industry, and we are excited about the learning opportunities that this demonstration facility will provide for all partners."
Located at the Cudworth Pork Investors Group hog facility, the plant will produce biogas using a digester process, which relies on bacteria to break down the manure in a large enclosed tank. The biogas will be drawn off and piped into four microturbines, which will generate enough electricity for about 30 – 40 homes. The heat generated will be used in the digester.
"We are extremely pleased at the level of interest that has been generated from the development of this project at Cudworth," President of Clear-Green Environmental Ben Voss said. "It is truly rewarding to see this project come to fruition. We've been working hard at getting to this point and the current and future demand for this type of technology looks very promising."
"This partnership between SaskPower and Clear-Green is part of SaskPower's Green Power Portfolio strategy, which ensures that all of Saskatchewan's new electricity needs until 2010 are met from environmentally preferable sources, whose operations do not add to greenhouse gas emissions," President and CEO, SaskPower John Wright said.
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For More Information, Contact:
| Larry Christie SaskPower Regina Phone: (306)566-3167 Cell: (306)536-2886 | Ben Voss Clear-Green Environmental Inc. Saskatoon Phone: (306)931-2610 |