Agricultural Operations
The agricultural sector provides significant CHP opportunities through waste management and opportunity fuels. Agricultural wastes or "energy crops" can be used to co-fire existing generators. Alternatively, animal and agricultural wastes can be converted to biogas through the process of anaerobic digestion. This process uses naturally occurring bacteria to decompose crop and animal wastes. Anaerobic digesters are sealed with covers that trap the biogas produced in the digester. The biogas can then be used in conventional engines or micro-turbines to produce electricity and heat for the farm. Thermal needs include hot water, space heating, and heat to maintain the temperature of the anaerobic digester.

The following agricultural sites could make excellent hosts for CHP installations:

• Feedlots
• Dairy farms
• Timber and forest operations
• Rice, cotton, sugar cane, and sugar beet processing operations