Revolutionary Renewable Natural Gas Initiative Converts Alberta Cattle Waste into Clean Energy
In the heart of southern Alberta, an innovative project is transforming cattle manure into renewable natural gas (RNG) while simultaneously capturing and securely storing carbon dioxide emissions underground. This cutting-edge advancement represents a major leap forward in sustainable energy generation and environmental protection.
Advanced Facility Near Lethbridge Transforms Manure Into Sustainable Fuel
Taurus Canada Renewable Natural Gas Corp. is leading the creation of a state-of-the-art anaerobic digestion and carbon capture facility near Lethbridge, Alberta. Backed by significant investments from provincial and federal programs, this plant will process manure sourced from thousands of cattle raised in nearby feedlots.
The Central Farms site is designed to manage roughly 130,000 tonnes of manure each year, converting it into approximately 360,000 gigajoules of RNG-enough energy to power about 4,000 households or supply electricity for an entire small town like Coaldale. This initiative highlights how agricultural byproducts can be effectively repurposed as valuable renewable resources.
Robust Financial Support Fuels Industrial Sustainability Transformation
This project was selected among six recipients to share $28 million awarded through Emissions Reduction Alberta’s Industrial Transformation Challenge. Taurus received $10 million in provincial grants along with $3.4 million from the federal Low Carbon Economy Fund; additional funding comes from company equity and loans toward the estimated $85-million total investment.
The endeavor aligns with Alberta’s strategic focus on nurturing domestic clean technology innovations that drive economic growth while reducing environmental impact.
How Manure Becomes Energy: The Conversion Process Unveiled
The process starts by collecting livestock waste from four local feedlots operated by two producers near Coaldale. To control odors during handling and storage, all manure remains indoors prior to treatment.
“Harnessing agricultural residues for energy production marks a significant advancement in sustainable farming,” stated Ryan Kasko,CEO of Kasko Cattle Company-one of the key suppliers involved in this initiative.
The collected material undergoes pre-treatment where it is indeed blended with treated water to create a slurry while removing contaminants such as stones or grit. This mixture then enters sealed anaerobic digesters maintained at around 40°C without oxygen for up to thirty days.
Bacteria naturally decompose organic matter inside these digesters producing biogas-a methane-rich fuel-and nutrient-packed digestate that serves as eco-kind fertilizer alternatives for regional farms seeking sustainable soil amendments.
Pioneering Integration of Carbon Capture Technology
A standout feature setting this facility apart is its incorporation of carbon capture: CO2 emissions generated during biogas upgrading are injected deep underground-approximately 1.5 kilometers beneath the surface-into stable geological formations found beneath southern Alberta’s landscape for permanent sequestration.
Taurus executive Phillip Abrary highlighted that “Alberta’s unique geology provides optimal conditions for secure long-term carbon storage,” enabling this combined RNG-carbon capture approach at an industrial scale unlike many other regions worldwide.
Diverse sustainable Outputs Beyond RNG Generation
- Renewable Natural Gas: purified methane-rich biogas will be delivered directly into existing pipeline networks supplying local communities;
- Agricultural Digestate: Three distinct types produced during digestion offer environmentally responsible soil enhancers that improve crop productivity;
an Exemplary Model Merging Innovation With Environmental Stewardship
This project demonstrates how integrating proven technologies can generate synergistic benefits across agriculture,energy security,climate action efforts,and economic development within Canada’s rural heartland.
“It showcases how abundant Canadian resources can reduce greenhouse gas emissions while bolstering domestic industries,” remarked Fred Ghatala president of advanced Biofuels Canada.
A local Viewpoint on Advancing Cleaner Agricultural Practices
Kasko Cattle Company CEO Ryan Kasko described their partnership with Taurus as “a natural progression” reflecting modern agriculture focused on sustainability rather than solely traditional outputs.
“This government-supported innovation mitigates risks linked with emerging technologies poised to transform farming operations throughout southern Alberta,” he explained during a recent declaration event near Coaldale.
“Many landowners struggle managing large volumes of manure; initiatives like this offer practical solutions protecting our surroundings without sacrificing productivity.”
– Daryl Bennett,
a surface rights advocate based in Taber
The Road Ahead: Expanding Green Energy From Agricultural Waste Streams Globally
This pioneering integrated RNG-carbon capture plant sets an vital benchmark illustrating how rural communities can convert agricultural residues not only into clean fuel but also contribute significantly toward national climate goals.
If operating at full capacity later this year-as planned-the model could inspire replication across other livestock-intensive regions worldwide where methane emissions remain untapped yet represent promising sources for clean energy generation.
- Total annual renewable natural gas output projected: ~360 terajoules (powering approximately 4,000 homes)
- total CO2 : permanently stored underground via geological injection wells (~1.5 km depth)
