The project includes the construction of new anaerobic digesters at four Larson family dairy farms in Okeechobee County, including two farms owned by Larson Dairy, Inc. and two farms owned by JM Larson, Inc. After the project is complete, the digesters are anticipated to generate about 171,000 MMBtu of renewable natural gas each year. The gas will be delivered into the local interstate gas pipeline system.
“We’re proud to partner with the Larson family, who have a long history as dairy industry leaders in Florida,” said Brightmark Energy CEO Bob Powell. “Projects like these help to provide additional revenue streams for farmers, reduce local air and water impacts and enhance the sustainability efforts of farmers, so this project is a win for the farmers and the local community.”
This is the latest in a series of biogas projects launched by Brightmark Energy in the past two years. The company also has active projects in Washington, Wisconsin, and New York. When the Larson project becomes operational at the end of 2021, Brightmark’s biogas projects will generate enough renewable natural gas to drive a bus 16,281,400 miles each year. The company is developing similar biogas projects nationwide.
Anaerobic digestion of dairy cow manure has been shown to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The process prevents methane, a greenhouse gas, from being released into the atmosphere. This project will reduce the net greenhouse gas emissions from processed dairy manure at a rate of 57,400 metric tons per year, which is equivalent to planting 75,000 acres of forest each year.
Participating farmer Woody Larson said, “Brightmark Energy has been a good partner in the development of this project. We are glad the technology and economics are coming together to support our environmental and sustainability goals.” Larson added, “Cows are the ultimate recyclers, creating wholesome milk from byproducts of the citrus, ethanol, brewing and textile industries. This technology now also allows us to convert manure to energy and improve the environment.”
