NOV 17

The Toronto Zoo wants to use the manure produced by its animals to generate its electricity, which seems like a perfect scenario for a zoo. The problem is the biogas electricity plant would cost CDN $13 million (US $10.5 million), a sum of money the zoo doesn't have.

The City of Toronto says that it doesn't have the money to loan the zoo, which has lead the zoo on a search for private investors. The zoo claims that a biogas electricity plant run on its animals' waste would not only produce enough power for its own operations, but enough to sell back to the grid that the project would pay for itself within five years.

If the zoo is able to secure funding, the power plant could begin construction in 2009.

I always root for scenarios like these where an area or company has a lot of an unusual resource and they come up with a way to harness its potential. The Japanese airport that will begin using snow to cool its buildings is another great example of this type of innovation. I hope that the zoo gets its funding, especially since it's not only able to provide for itself, but give back to the grid as well.

via Treehugger

Image via flickr

Comments (9)

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any other info sources on this topic?
written by miltowny, November 17, 2008

I am working on my senior business capstone project, and my project involves farm cooperative fuel potential. I have had trouble finding stats and etc in regards to methane and etc.

I want to find out the different concepts available, both for individual farms and offsite processing. Would like to find an approach to benefit the farmers and the environment.

any helpful links anyone?

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Cincinnati Zoo already started . . .
written by GreenInCincinnati, November 17, 2008

The Cincinnati Zoo is already in the process of starting a biomass system - http://newenergynews.blogspot....i-zoo.html

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written by Carter, November 18, 2008

I wonder what they've been doing with the manure so far. I can't imagine it all just goes to the sewage treatment plant. fertilizer?

In related news, there is a dairy farm near my parent's house that generates electricity with a methane digester.

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A grat story
written by Mike, November 18, 2008

This is a great idea and i don't believe that the city doesn't have the money to loan the zoo. This is my opinion

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BioEnergy Solutions
written by Carl, November 18, 2008

The other ecogeek article today on "Cow Power" describes the California company BioEnergy Solutions that does what the Toronto Zoo wants-- they build and install the biogas equipment, then pay the site owner a percentage of revenue-- no money needed.

To find references, google "Manure Biogas" or "Cow Power" and you'll find good references, e.g. mrec.org/anaerobic_digestion_text.html

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written by Rory, November 19, 2008

What a great idea. I hope they're able to come up with the funding. I'd imagine that just about any zoo with available real estate could do the same thing. The San Diego Wild Animal Park would be a great place, given the number of large animals it has.

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only animal waste?
written by Matthew, November 20, 2008

Human waste too!!!

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Manure Equals Power and High Grade Potti
written by Mark Palmer, January 01, 2009

There is a small but rapidly growing company called Agrigy, that can help dairy farmers (or poultry) covert their MANURE to METHANE for creating power, and take the solids and quickly convert to a high grade potting soil, eliminating all the waste. A methane digester and generator can create more than enough power to run the entire dairy, and sell excess to the grid!
www.cowpeat.com

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written by gordon, February 20, 2009

I HAVE YOU GIVEN ANY THOUGHT, THAT IS WHEN YOU ARE UP AND RUNNING, COLLECTING FROM THE ''POOP AND SCOOP'' DEPOSITARIES FROM TORONTO PARKS

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