Turning Cow Dung into Electricity: A Sustainable Solution for Dairy Farms

California farmer Albert Strauss has been using cow dung to generate electricity for 25 years. By employing a methane gas digester, he converts waste from his 270 dairy cows into energy, even reversing his electric meter. This process not only saves him approximately $6000 monthly but also reduces methane emissions, benefiting the environment and minimizing farm odors. Additionally, the system helps offset the cost of recharging his electric car, with an expected payback period of three years for his $280,000 investment.

What motivated Albert Strauss to focus on cow dung for the past 25 years?

• To improve cow health

• To create a new fertilizer

• To generate electricity

• To produce biofuel

How does the methane gas digester contribute to electricity generation?

• It stores methane for future use

• It directly powers the farm's machinery

• It burns methane to drive a generator

• It converts methane into liquid fuel

What is one of the environmental benefits of Strauss's system?

• Increased water usage

• Increased soil erosion

• Higher carbon emissions

• Reduction of greenhouse gases

How much does Strauss estimate he saves on power each month?

• $6000

• $500

• $3000

• $1000

What is the expected payback period for Strauss's investment in the system?

• One year

• Five years

• Three years

• Ten years