Leap of Faith: California Dairy Helps Lead the Way in State's Renewable Energy Efforts
Video shows how New Hope Dairy’s anaerobic digester turns 30,000 gallons of manure a day into electricity for the power grid.
In a video released today, the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) takes a closer look at the anaerobic digester at New Hope Dairy in Galt, Calif. The 1,500-cow dairy is a pioneer in the state’s renewable energy efforts.
The dairy’s owners, Arlin Van Groningen and Arlan Van Leeuwen, explain how 30,000 gallons of manure are collected six times a day from their herd and pumped to the onsite digester. There, methane gas is produced, ultimately becoming electricity for the energy grid.
The project is not only helping fulfill “green” energy requirements but also managing manure for the dairy as well as creating composted soil amendments from the post-digester manure.
Officials from the Sacramento Municipal Utility District, project developers and government officials also weigh in on the dairy’s progressive and successful venture.
“The future for dairy digesters in the state of California is. . . unlimited,” says CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. "People like New Hope Dairy have done a fabulous job. They’re our pioneers. They’re the ones willing to take this leap of faith to be a part of the new energy economy and helping combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gases.”
