News
Illinois pork producer could benefit from pilot project exploring converting hog manure electricity

The Maschhoffs Incorporated, one
of the largest family-owned pork production networks in the U.S., may
be on the receiving end of a new anaerobic digester and electricity
generator.

The Maschhoffs Incorporated, one of the largest family-owned pork production networks in the U.S., may be on the receiving end of a new anaerobic digester and electricity generator.

The Renewable Energy Department of Ameren, which provides energy to more than two million users in Illinois and Missouri, has partnered with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the University of Illinois to study the feasibility of using methane gas from hog manure to generate heat and power on the Maschhoffs’ Carlyle, Illinois, operation.
Based on the results of the feasibility study, Ameren would work to have the system installed at the site by the end of 2007.

Manure collected from the Maschhoff farm would be stored in the digester. Methane gas would then be siphoned off the manure and used to power the generator, which may have the potential to produce between 200 and 400 kilowatts of electricity. The electricity would be used by the farm, which has a peak electric demand of over 700 kilowatts. The heat created by the generator would be used to heat the digester.

The Maschhoff site was one of several swine operations in the state considered for the project. Illinois currently ranks number five in the U.S. for hog production, and Wright says the Illinois EPA had been looking for ways to promote a CO2 sequestration program that rewards farmers for eliminating greenhouse gases that are created by hog waste.