The Milk Producer - February 2012 - (Page 36)

ALTERNATIVEENERGY By Jennifer Green Learning from others German experience shows how investing in on-farm biogas technology can reap big dividends S ince the German government implemented green energy policies a decade ago, more than 7,000 biogas facilities have been installed and are now generating more than 2,700 megawatts of electricity— equivalent to three Ontario nuclear power plants. These installations have created more than 46,000 jobs, represent $1 billion invested in the German economy and put the country on target to generate 17 per cent of its total power from biogas. As Ontario develops its biogas sector, Germany offers vital lessons that can help advance this technology as part of the province’s clean energy sector. German legislation enacted in 2002 embraced renewable energy. The country developed regulations and programs to create a feed-in tariff system, give priority access to the grid for green energy and encourage innovation with no burden on the taxpayer. Other main objectives included: • stimulating the acceptance of renewable energies in other countries; • showcasing Germany’s technical and business expertise in the field of renewable energies; • providing comprehensive support to small- to medium-scale enterprises as they tap foreign markets; • contributing to climate protection. In several ways, Ontario has looked to German policy as a model with the introduction of the Green Energy and Green Economy Act in 2009. Under the act, the Ontario Power Authority launched the Feed-In Tariff program to purchase renewable energy through long-term contracts. The 36 | February 2012 | MilkPRODUCER “Biogas has opened possibilities for our farm. The last 10 years of biogas development have made it possible for our sons to join as partners.” —Paul and Fritz Klaesi, Fepro Farms provincial government is currently conducting a two-year review of the FIT program. In Ontario, 10 farm-based biogas systems have now hooked up to the grid, generating about 5MW of electricity. Another 20 projects are in various stages of planning, design and construction. These projects have invested $25 million in the rural economy and created an estimated 50 jobs. Ontario is targeting 12 per cent of its electricity needs from all renewable energy combined by 2025. Biogas systems are well suited to family dairy farms. They work with existing infrastructure to complement farm operations. The equipment— pumps, motors, agitators—and struc- tures, such as manure storages, are compatible with on-farm requirements. Investing in a system offers multiple economic opportunities to your family dairy farm and community. First, it provides a positive financial return on investment. Biogas can provide additional revenue streams from generating electricity and treating off-farm waste. Given current limited access to quota in Ontario and several other provinces, these income sources can help dairy farms diversify revenues beyond milk sales. You can also realize cost savings. Given the enhanced nutrient value of digested manure, you can reduce commercial fertilizer use. You can

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Milk Producer - February 2012

The Milk Producer - February 2012
Contents
Editor's Notes
DFO Chair's Message
Dairy Update
Industry Roundup
DFC Promotion
Research
Ruminations
Alternative Energy
Calf Health
Markets
New 'N' Noted
Back Forty

The Milk Producer - February 2012