Biogas Power

Biogas refers to the gas made from the conversion of agricultural and animal waste in a digester. The gas, a mixture of methane and CO₂, is released during combustion, and can be used for a number of applications, including electricity generation.

Biogas digesters have the added benefit of producing a high-nutrient fertilizer and encouraging better sanitation on farms.

PGE operates a biogas facility on the Cal-Gon dairy farm in Salem, Ore. that converts more than 20 tons of cow manure into energy each day.

Manure enters a 28-foot high digester where it releases methane gas, which then fires a generator on the farm, feeding up to 70 kilowatts of renewable electricity directly to PGE customers.

Leftover materials are processed through a solids separator into relatively odor-free fibers and liquids that can be used for commercial nursery or farm soil applications. For more, visit PGE’s Biogas section.