CalBio Secures CDFA Funding for Dairy Digesters
California Bioenergy LLC (“CalBio”) has secured funding for three new dairy digester projects that will be developed in Bakersfield, Gustine, and Modesto. The funding was awarded from the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s Dairy Digester Research and Development Program (DDRDP) and Alternative Manure Management Program (AMMP) as part of the California Climate Investments (CCI) program. The CCI program is a statewide initiative that invests billions of dollars from the state’s Cap-and-Trade program.
According to the California Air Resources Board’s annual reports on CCI, investments in dairy digesters are among the top two most cost-effective of all climate investments. That is because dairy digesters eliminate emissions of methane, which is a climate super pollutant 84 times more damaging to the climate than the carbon dioxide emissions emitted from fossil fuels (on a 20-year time basis). In addition to eliminating the methane emissions from dairy manure, digesters generate biomethane that can be used in place of fossil fuels, providing a double benefit for the climate, air quality, soil and water quality. These bioenergy facilities also provide economic development and good jobs in rural, disadvantaged regions of the state.
California Bioenergy is a leading developer, builder, operator, and largest US producer and marketer of renewable natural gas generated from dairy waste. CalBio’s dairy digester projects generate ultra clean and negative carbon biomethane for vehicle fuel and electricity generation. Founded in 2006, CalBio partners with dairy families and local, state, and federal agencies to operate projects that empower the industry to achieve methane reduction goals, protect local air and water quality, and create local jobs while also improving the sustainability and economics of its partner dairies. CalBio is currently operating or developing over 120 dairy digester projects in California and through its Midwest, Northwest, and Southwest affiliates. For more information, visit www.calbioenergy.com.