A Cleaner Energy Future Means Taking Advantage of Some Dirty Stuff

Southern California Gas (SoCalGas) joined Calgren Dairy Fuels to help clean up the reputation of cows as they, along with local and state officials, celebrated the completion of Calgren’s dairy renewable gas facility.

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — “Cows are green is the new slogan,” SoCalGas VP Jeffery Walker said. Calgren has partnered with 14 Central Valley dairy farms to buy the methane released from manure. Using a special membrane to cover the manure, Calgren captures the methane before it enters the air, then sends it to the plant to be processed into usable natural gas. Walt Dwelle is a principal investor with Calgren. He said, initially, they were interested in harvesting natural gas from manure for their energy needs at the ethanol plant. They also get carbon credits through the low carbon fuel standard. He said the decision was an economic one and a “feel good” one.

Originally Published by: The Sacramento Bee

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