<< Back

Green Power EMC Adds Another Energy Source to the Mix 

>> On March 21, Green Power EMC, a group of 28 electric membership corporations (EMCs) in Georgia, including Tri-County EMC, announced plans to purchase 20 megawatts of electricity from the first poultry litter-to-energy operation in Georgia. The electricity will be provided by Earth Resources Inc., which will construct a chicken litter-to-electricity plant near Carnesville, Ga., about 70 miles northeast of Atlanta. The Franklin County plant is the first in the state to use a gasification system to convert poultry litter into electricity.

Governor Sonny Purdue was on-hand for the signing of the historic agreement. “Georgia must be proactive in developing alternative energy sources, and that is exactly what we’re seeing with Green Power EMC’s poultry litter-to-energy operation,” said Governor Perdue. “If this project is successful, it has the potential to be replicated throughout the state, and could be a significant agricultural solution for Georgia’s growing energy needs.”

The 15-year power purchase agreement is part of Green Power EMC’s mission to research and develop renewable energy options such as biomass, solar, wind and low-impact hydro. When complete, the $20 million facility will generate enough energy annually to meet the needs of more than 15,000 homes. Construction is scheduled to begin in May, and the plant is expected to be operational by summer 2007.

Georgia is the largest poultry-producing state in the United States and represents a $17 billion industry in Georgia, according to the University of Georgia. Green Power EMC had closely monitored an Earth Resources chicken-litter-to-energy research demonstration project, made possible by a $1 million grant from the United States Department of Agriculture. After the prototype proved so successful, Earth Resources made plans to construct a commercial facility.

According to Abit Massey with the Georgia Poultry Federation, this facility will provide an additional opportunity for poultry growers to use the litter. “In instances where farmers have more litter than they want to utilize as fertilizer for crop production, this technology provides an excellent alternative,” says Massey. The gasification technology used to convert litter into energy produces lower emissions, reduces the reliance on fossil fuels and transforms the litter into a valuable commodity—electricity.

Green Power EMC is currently providing renewable electricity to cooperative members from two landfill generating sites and a low-impact hydroelectric facility, a total generating capacity of 7.3 megawatts. The Roberts Road landfill facility in Fayette County generates one megawatt of power to the statewide electric grid, along with four megawatts of electricity generated at the Taylor County landfill, and two megawatts from the hydroelectric facility located near Athens. In August 2005, Green Power EMC launched a test to evaluate the potential of wind generation in Georgia.

Since 2002, Tri-County EMC has offered renewable energy to its members through Green Power EMC.  The first and only program of its kind, Green Power EMC allows Tri-County members to purchase 150 kWh blocks of earth-friendly energy for $4 per block in addition to regular rates. Consumers may purchase enough green power for some of all of their energy needs. For more information about Green Power EMC, or to enroll your account, visit www.tri-countyemc.com or call Margaret Morris at 478.986.8100, Ext. 8126. (37656-01) <<