Methane Capture Pilot Program
The Methane Capture Pilot Program provides an opportunity for hog producers to register their farms for potential participation in a new program that will convert swine waste into renewable energy. The program is being developed by the N.C. Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources in partnership with the N.C. Utilities Commission.
Program Background
The General Assembly created the Methane Capture Pilot Program in 2007 through Senate Bill 1465. The program authorized the commission and department to select up to 50 registered swine farms to capture methane gas generated by their waste systems - either by full or partial lagoon covers - and to convert the gas to electricity through bio-gas generators. Each farm's power supplier would purchase the generated electricity for a period of seven years at a price not to exceed 18 cents per kilowatt hour. These methane conversion systems must be operational with electricity available for purchase on or before Sept. 1, 2010.
How to Register for the Program
The Division of Soil and Water Conservation will oversee the pilot program's registration process. Swine producers wishing to participate must complete a simple, online application (see link below) to be considered for the program. There is no obligation to participate when registering. Once a farm is selected, the farm and its power supplier would determine the terms of the agreement. The Utilities Commission has initiated a proceeding to determine a suggested purchase price for electricity produced by farms selected to participate in the pilot program.
Registration Form:
Applications will not be accepted until after 1:30 PM on March 10, 2008 For More Information
Questions? Contact Vernon Cox, chief of the Technical Services Section with the N.C. Division of Soil and Water Conservation, at (919) 715-6109 or vernon.cox@ncmail.net.
Related Links & Downloads
N.C. Utilities Commission
N.C. Lagoon Conversion Program
Industry Directory for On-Farm Biogas Recovery Systems - March 2008