BIOENERGY PARK DEMONSTRATION PROJECT

Background

The conversion of agricultural waste and crops to electricity is one of the fastest growing renewable energy industries in Europe. In Germany, 3,500 biogas plants already are producing 1,100 MW with a projected growth to 9,500 MW by 2020. Unfortunately, this technology has not been successful in the US because of substantially lower electricity prices, lack of subsidies and long term price guarantees, and high capital and operating costs for these facilities. If agricultural waste and crops are to be used successfully as a significant source of electricity in South Carolina, a different approach that produces large quantities of electricity at competitive prices is required.

Project Objectives

SCIES is working with Santee Cooper to demonstrate a prototype bioenergy park module that,

• Produces utility scale power from a combination of swine waste and energy crops
• Forms the basis for multi-module, multi-megawatt centralized facilities throughout SC and the US that can produce electricity at near market rates
• Provides the potential for new jobs and attracts new renewable energy companies to SC
• Provides additional revenue for SC farmers from existing waste streams and crops
• Improves the quality of South Carolina's air and water through the elimination of the odors and methane that are released from existing farm waste treatment facilities.

Project Schedule

The prototype system is planned to be in operation by the end of 2009.