Manure Power Turns Out to Be a Poor Energy Source

By Nicolette Hah Niman Talk of reducing our dependence on foreign oil through alternative energy sources like biomass is everywhere these days – even on our president’s lips. As a livestock farmer and environmental lawyer, I’ve paid particular attention to discussion about using manure as “green power.” The idea sounds appealing, but power from manure turns out to be a poor source of energy. Unlike solar or wind, it can create more environmental problems than it solves. And it ends up subsidizing large agribusiness. That’s why energy from manure should really be considered a form of “brown power.” Manure is used mainly in methane digesters, incinerators and certain biodiesel plants. Digesters, often at dairy farms, liquefy manure, then put it in large tanks with anaerobic bacteria. As the liquid decays, the bacteria produce methane, which is purified and used like natural gas. Incinerators generate power by burning animal waste, usually from poultry. Biodiesel involves creating a gas from manure, then combining it with oil from animal fat or plants (often soybeans or corn). Government officials tout such projects as energy generation that benefits both nature and agriculture, and are pouring public funds into them. Few seem to question whether the […]

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