Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by sesport on June 23, 2009 at 8:05

That should make everyone around here happy. It's primarily used in developing countries, we probably won't see increased taxes to fund RD & D in the US. Unless those "downfall of the empire" predictions come true, then we'll be back to "developing country" status.

Interesting idea, though. Wonder how much wood it would require to become a predominant fuel source?

Thanks - sesport :0)

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Permalink Reply by P.G. on June 23, 2009 at 11:30

I wonder if a farmer could sell his mineral rights for his cows?

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Permalink Reply by sesport on June 23, 2009 at 19:20

PG - I suppose someone offers the farmer enough, s/he would "sell the farm." Anyway, why? You looking to buy mineral rights to cows? lol

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Permalink Reply by Les Bamburg on June 24, 2009 at 2:54

PG, actually the commercial arrangements include some type of fee payment of profit share to the farmer if the biodigester is installed by a 3rd party. The early biodigesters were smaller and typically installed and owned by the farmer. The biogas was used to generate power for use on the farm.

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Permalink Reply by sesport on June 24, 2009 at 3:17

Les - I'm sure there's been much improvement in the technology since the 1980's. How much electricity is one of these modern "biogassers" able to generate? Profit share, huh, selling back to the grid? Gives new meaning to the term "cash cow." lol Thanks again. :0)

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Permalink Reply by Les Bamburg on June 24, 2009 at 10:03

Sesport, a farm with 10,000 cows could generate ~ 4-5 MW.

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Permalink Reply by sesport on June 24, 2009 at 10:39

You think government is going to invest much (taxpayers' $$$) in RD&D for this? Seems to me that kind of moo-lah would be allocated for more efficient & promising RD&D.

Thanks again :0)

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Permalink Reply by P.G. on June 24, 2009 at 12:39

Why wouldn't they invest taxpayer's money?
Isn't cow crap considered a renewable resource?
Aren't they hot on anything "Renewable"?
With the mentality we have in DC, It wouldn't matter if it were efficient would it? Heck, look at ethanol!
I mean since when have they been smart about spending money on anything here lately?
Especially if it were in one of their buddy's districts, right?

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Permalink Reply by Les Bamburg on June 24, 2009 at 15:39

Sesport, that is the good news - there is no R&D required. This is a proven technology that is widely used around the world.

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Permalink Reply by sesport on June 24, 2009 at 18:04

Thanks, Les. So we have come to the "tail" end of this story, and hopefully future "ruminations" regarding the costs to the US taxpayers for research & development.

best - :0)

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