Suburban Renewable Energy LLC entered an agreement with an upstate New York farm to construct, own and operate a biodigester to turn cow manure into renewable natural gas.
This project with Adirondack Farms in Clinton County, N.Y., expands the portfolio of clean energy investments for Whippany-based Suburban Propane Partners, Suburban Renewable Energy’s parent company.
By taking the manure from dairy cows at Adirondack Farms and treating it in a process called anaerobic digestion, microorganisms within the digester will break down the organic material and convert it into renewable natural gas and a nutrient-rich material known as digestate. Renewable natural gas will then be delivered to the natural gas distribution system and the nutrient-rich digestate material will be used by the farm to make cow bedding and natural fertilizer.
“To effectively tackle environmental challenges, innovative new renewable energy sources are required to complement the clean air and climate benefits offered by traditional propane,” said Michael Stivala, president and CEO of Suburban Propane. “Our investment in a digester system at Adirondack Farms is the latest endeavor in our ongoing commitment to bring renewable energy to local communities. Partnering with a family farm that has such a deep history and commitment to the people of upstate New York, such as Adirondack Farms, enables us to share our vision of providing safe and clean renewable energy from dairy manure.”
Michael Stivala (left), president and CEO of Suburban Propane with Adirondack Farms Partner Jon Rulfs. – SUBURBAN PROPANE
“Farmers are the original stewards of the land, and we are stepping up and doing our part to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. At Adirondack Farms, we’re constantly evolving and innovating to ensure we remain viable in a competitive marketplace while keeping the preservation of our natural resources a top priority,” said Adirondack Farms Partner Jon Rulfs. “Our new partnership with Suburban Propane provides us with the tools needed to take these recycling efforts to a new level, resulting in the production of renewable natural gas. We realize we’re only a small part of a larger effort to combat climate change, but we want to show how the dairy industry is a leader in the effort to reduce emissions for our communities.”
The collaboration with Adirondack Farms will generate revenue for both Suburban Renewables and Adirondack Farms, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and enable the production of renewable natural gas, the companies said June 1.
