The US arm of German power and heat company EnviTec Biogas has begun to feel the benefit after commissioning its largest ever US anaerobic digestion (AD) plant at the start of the year. It is also now a third of the way through a plant pipeline roll-out.
Located in South Dakota, the plant has been processing more than 300,000 gallons (1,100 cubic metres) per day of manure from more than 9,500 dairy cows per day since January.
Once at full capacity, it is expected to produce 483 standard cubic feet per minute (scfm) of renewable natural gas (RNG) (778 Nm³/h biomethane), which is equivalent to around 177,000 million BTU per year.
The biogas specialist, through its EnviTech Biogas USA subsidiary, is also strengthening its partnership with New Jersey-based SJI Renewable Energy Ventures and local suppliers, building on its 13 years’ experience in the US market.
Lars von Lehmden, CEO of EnviTec Biogas USA, said the facility marks the fifth of 15 biogas plants it is developing for “a leading company” in renewable energy and sustainable solutions. Eight plants are on farms operated by a leading diversified agribusiness in the US.
“This new facility is a true win-win for both business and the environment,” said Timothy Logan, President of EnviTec Biogas Construction. “Not only does it convert organic dairy waste into renewable biogas, but it also helps reduce the overall carbon footprint of dairy farming.”
Local tank manufacturing and services
EnviTec Biogas claims it is unique in the US market as the only provider of locally manufactured concrete tanks.
This is made possible through a sustainable partnership with Collins Precast, a producer of precast concrete components and buildings in the Upper Midwest.
In addition to constructing the integrated biogas and biomethane upgrading facility, the unnamed client has also signed a multi-year service contract with EnviTec to provide technical scheduled services, service on demand, 24/7 hotline support, and biological services from the office and warehouse in Watertown.
“Especially during the commissioning and ramp-up phase, we have been providing weekly sampling and analysis through our laboratory in Watertown,” said Logan.
Three additional projects recently were recently completed and are soon to ramp up, include some in Minnesota.
EnviTec Biogas has technologies includes AD, gas upgrading, ammonia stripping, bio-LCO2 and bio-LNG.
